Radiology, Vol 147, 733-738, Copyright © 1983 by Radiological Society of North America
Computed tomography of the nasopharynx and related spaces. Part II: Pathology
AJ Silver, ME Mawad, SK Hilal, P Sane and SR Ganti
Malignant tumors of the nasopharynx were analyzed by region of origin and
route of spread. Nasopharyngeal carcinomas produced early submucosal
infiltration of the deglutitional muscle layer with enlargement of the
levator palati muscle and lateral displacement of the parapharyngeal space.
Serous otitis media was frequently associated, and the trigeminal nerve was
occasionally involved. Intracranial extension via the foramen lacerum was
frequent. Metastases to the infratemporal fossa produced early involvement
of the masticatory muscle layer with medial displacement of the
parapharyngeal space. Adenoid cystic carcinomas showed late but
disproportionate involvement of the sphenoid sinus. Chordomas extended into
the retropharyngeal soft tissues via the petro-occipital fissure. Maxillary
sinus carcinomas, which were very large at the time of presentation and
impinged on the nasopharynx, showed extensive destruction of the pterygoid
plates.
