Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the superior cervical ganglion mimicking a retropharyngeal lymph node

Sami P. Moubayed, Rosalie Machado, Marcela Osorio, Azita Khorsandi, Juan Hernandez-Prera, Mark L. Urken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) has never been reported. Its anatomic location may easily be mistaken for a retropharyngeal lymph node. We present the first case of SCC metastasis to the SCG. Methods We report a case of a 69 year-old never smoking male, who presented with right retropharyngeal PETCT-avid disease following chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. He was brought to the operating room for resection, intraoperative radiation and reconstruction. Results Intraoperatively, visualization and frozen section confirmed squamous cell carcinoma located in the superior cervical ganglion. The ganglion was resected, intraoperative radiation was given and the patient was reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. Postoperatively, the patient displayed features of a Horner's syndrome. Conclusions The superior cervical ganglion may be mistaken for a retropharyngeal lymph node. Although extremely rare, these entities may be differentiated on the basis of radiological studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)720-723
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume38
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Horner's syndrome
  • Metastasis
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Superior cervical ganglion

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