Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a carcinoma that arises from the
nasopharyngeal mucosa and differs from other head and neck carcinomas
by its unique histologic, epidemiologic, and biologic characteristics. NPC
is rare in most countries, especially Europe and North America. However,
it has a high incidence in several regions of South China. The incidence
variability of NPC, among different geographical and ethnic groups, indicates
a combination of genetic susceptibility, infection by Epstein-Barr virus and
environmental factors. NPC is classified into three histological subtypes
according to the 1991 World Health Organization classification: squamous
cell carcinoma, nonkeratinizing carcinoma, and basaloid squamous cell
carcinoma. The symptoms of patients with NPC are related to the primary
tumor site and the degree of dissemination. Therefore, patients can remain
asymptomatic during a long period of time. Imaging exams and biopsy of the
tumor mass generally are sufficient to establish the diagnosis. NPC is a rare
disease among children. The authors report a case of a 12-year-old boy who
sought medical attention complaining of a progressive growing tumoral mass
on the right side of the neck. The computed tomography images of the head
and neck and the histological examination of a cervical lymph node biopsy
diagnosed a metastatic NPC.
