Chordoma of Nasopharynx - A Rare Case Report

Dr. Pankti Kotak, Dr. Yogita Kareliya, Dr. Falguni Goswami

Abstract: Chordomas are rare, locally aggressive malignant tumors originating from embryonic notochord remnants, with an overall incidence of less than 0.1 cases per 100,000 individuals. While they typically occur along the central craniospinal axis, presentation as an extra-osseous primary mass in the nasopharynx is exceptionally rare. Here is a case of 54 year old male presenting with voice change and nasal blockage since 6 months. Imaging revealed a large (46 x 57 x 47 mm) expansile, cystic, and solid lesion in the lower clivus, protruding into the nasopharynx and causing bony erosion. Histologically diagnostic hallmark was the presence of pathognomonic physaliphorous cells-large, epithelioid cells featuring a prominent bubbly, vacuolated cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry shows positivity for EMA, S100, CK19, and CK8/18. This definitive histopathological and IHC profile excluded major morphologic mimics such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and chondrosarcoma, securing the diagnosis of conventional chordoma.

Keywords: Nasopharyrnx, Chordoma

How to Cite?: Dr. Pankti Kotak, Dr. Yogita Kareliya, Dr. Falguni Goswami, "Chordoma of Nasopharynx - A Rare Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 914-916, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26812202939, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26812202939

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