Work

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma masquerading as refractory odontogenic pain: a case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignancy arising from the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx. Although early detection is critical for favorable outcomes, achieving timely diagnosis remains challenging due to the condition’s non-specific initial symptoms. This case highlights the necessity for dental practitioners to maintain a high index of suspicion for nasopharyngeal carcinoma when evaluating patients with unexplained toothache or oral bleeding. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old female patient presented to the Department of Oral Medicine with a chief complaint of blood-tinged saliva for 6 months and pain in the left lower posterior tooth for 3 months. The final diagnosis, confirmed by MRI and biopsy, was nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The patient’s symptoms resolved after chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSION: For patients with unexplained oral bleeding and toothache, particularly when these symptoms are unilateral, refractory to conventional dental treatment, or accompanied by otological manifestations such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness, as well as neurological deficits including blurred vision or facial numbness, dentists should recognize these as potential red flags for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Source: BMC Oral Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12903-026-08328-0

Authors: Junjie Liu, Shiying Huang, Fuxingzi Li, Haixia Zhang

Institutions: Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190