ISSN: 2584-2153 (Online)
Title: OLCIAS Journal
NASOPHARYNGEAL TUBERCULOSIS: A Rare Clinical Presentation and Literature Review
HANDIS Fatiha, SALEMI Mustapha, ABU NADJA Mahmoud , BENYAHIA Samir
Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, CCF Unit,
Mustapha University Hospital, Algiers, Algeria
Corresponding author: Prof. HANDIS Fatiha
Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), CCF, Mustapha University Hospital Center, Algiers,
Algeria
Email :handis.fatiha@gmail.com
Corresponding author: HANDIS Fatiha,Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck
Surgery, CCF Unit, Mustapha University Hospital Center, Algiers, Algeria
Received: October 05, 2025 — Accepted:December 24, 2025 — Published: January 30, 2026
Citation : HANDIS Fatiha, SALEMI Mustapha, ABU NADJA Mahmoud , BENYAHIA
Samir ,NASOPHARYNGEAL TUBERCULOSIS: A Rare Clinical Presentation and Literature Review,
OLCIAS Vol.3, Issue 1
Abstract:
Background: Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis (NT) is an extremely rare form of tuberculosis, which can clinically and radiologically mimic undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (UCNT).
Case Report: We report the case of a woman with no significant medical history, presenting with a six-month history of nasal obstruction and clear rhinorrhea. Endoscopic examination revealed a budding mass occupying the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. Virological testing (negative EBV viral load) and immunological evaluation (negative tuberculin skin test) were non-contributory. Histopathology of a biopsy specimen confirmed tuberculosis, showing caseofollicular granulomas. First-line antituberculous therapy (2RHZ/4RH) was initiated. A suspicion of drug resistance led to a multidisciplinary discussion regarding potential second-line treatment.
Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of NT, especially in differentiating it from UCNT, and underscores the importance of histopathological confirmation. A brief literature review is provided to aid clinicians in managing this rare localization.
Keywords: Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis; Cavum; Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (UCNT); Differential diagnosis; Drug resistance; Case report