Nasopharyngeal cancer mimicking otitic barotrauma in a resource-challenged center: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Nasopharyngeal cancer commonly manifests with cervical lymphadenopathy, recurrent epistaxis and progressive nasal obstruction. Neuro-ophthalmic and otologic manifestations can also occur. Isolated otologic presentations of nasopharyngeal cancer are rare and the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer may not be foremost in the list of differentials.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the case of a 29-year-old Nigerian woman with bilateral conductive hearing loss and tinnitus after air travel. There were no other symptoms. The persistence of the symptoms after adequate treatment for otitic barotrauma necessitated re-evaluation, which led to a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Isolated otologic manifestations of nasopharyngeal cancer are rare in regions with low incidence of the disease. There is a need for it to be considered as a possible differential in patients presenting with bilateral serous otitis media.</p

A fifteen-year review of otologic surgery in Ibadan, Nigeria: problems and prospects

Background: The goal of ear surgery is to eradicate active disease, prevent recurrence or complications and restore functional hearing. The aim of this paper is to review the indications, complications and benefits derived by the patient from otologic surgery. Methods: A retrospective study of patients seen in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, in fifteen years. Results: Ninety-six ear surgeries (46 males and 40 males) were performed during the period. Fifty of these were done within the last five years out of the 1,207 patients (4%) seen in the Outpatient clinic. The mean age was twelve years (SD = 15 years) with a range of 3 66 years. Mastoiditis and mastoid abscesses accounted for 49% and 35% respectively of the indications for surgery. The most common postoperative complication encountered was persistence of mastoidectomy cavity with chronic infection. Fifty-seven (95%) of mastoidectomy was done by the Consultant staff and three (5%)by the senior residents. Three (5%) out of the sixty patients who had mastoidectomy recovered functional hearing postoperatively while the rest were discharged with a dry or infected ear. Conclusion: the otologic surgeries done were few and the exposure of the residents was inadequate thus recommended that there is urgent need for improvement in the skill of the surgeon through post-fellowship training in tympanoplasty or an increased exposure of the residents coupled with provision of adequate operating facilities. Keywords: Otologic practice, Volume, Residents, Skill. Nig. J. of Surgical Research 4(1-2) 2002: 45-4