A case of localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis

Amyloidosis rarely occurs in the head and neck region and is extremely rare in the nasopharynx (3%). We encountered a case of nasopharyngeal amyloidosis discovered because of exudative otitis media. The patient presented to a local otolaryngology department with complaints of hearing loss, right exudative otitis media, and a nasopharyngeal mass. She was referred to our department for consultation. A diagnosis of AA type amyloidosis was made based on a biopsy of the mass. In a detailed systemic examination in internal medicine, there were no findings suggestive of systemic amyloidosis or the presence of a primary disease, leading to a diagnosis of localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis. Surgical resection was difficult. However, in outpatient follow-up, no signs of a change to the systemic type were observed. If amyloid deposition is discovered in a particular organ, the prognosis is good if it is localized. It is however imperative to check whether it has a systemic nature through a detailed systemic examination. In addition, as the AA type may be secondary to rheumatoid arthritis or collagen disease, it is important to determine if there is a primary disease through a detailed examination. Since the transformation of localized amyloidosis to the systemic type has been reported, stringent follow-up is important.