The Journal of Laryngology & Otology

Table of Contents - May 1997 - Volume 111, Issue 05  

Main Articles

Pathogenesis of middle-ear effusion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a new perspective

W. K. Lowa1 c1, T. A. Lima2, Y. F. Fana2 and A. Balakrishnana1

a1 Department of Otolaryngology, Singapore General Hospital, Republic of Singapore.

a2 Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Republic of Singapore.

Abstract

The theory that middle-ear effusion (MEE) associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is merely the result of tensor veli palatinus destruction is deficient because recent studies have shown that many patients with NPC have MEE but no tensor veli palatinus dysfunction. The present study evaluates the relationship between MEE and Eustachian cartilage erosion by NPC and examines the pathogenesis of NPC-associated MEE from a new perspective.

Thirty-five patients with NPC were studied by magnetic resonance scans taken along the lengths of the Eustachian tubes. Twenty-four patients had tumour involvementof both sides of the nasopharynx so that 59 ears were available for study. Eighteen ears had MEE of which 12 had Eustachian cartilage erosion (p<00001, Fischer's Exact Test). In ears with MEE, Eustachian cartilage erosion was frequently but not necessarily associated with tensor veli palatinus destruction.

We postulate that altered Eustachian tubal compliance as a result of cartilage erosion by tumour is an important reason why middle-eareffusions develop in patients with NPC.

(Accepted March 04 1997)

Key words

Correspondence:

c1 Address for correspondence: Dr W. K. Low,Department of Otolaryngology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 0316, Republic of Singapore. Fax: 65-2262079

Related Content