Unilateral Alacrima as a Presenting Symptom of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Mar/Apr;33(2):e41-e42. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000714.

Abstract

Advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma may present to oculoplastic surgeons and ophthalmologists as epiphora or medial canthus swelling. In contrast, the authors describe an uncommon initial presentation of alacrima in a 30-year-old female with nasopharyngeal carcinoma without invasion of the nasolacrimal sac, duct, or lacrimal gland. The diagnosis was delayed due an initial misdiagnosis of dry eye. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma should be included in the differential for diminished tear production, especially if it presents asymmetrically.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Eye Diseases, Hereditary / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Tears / metabolism

Supplementary concepts

  • Alacrima