Primary amyloidosis presenting as a nasopharyngeal mass

Amyloid is defined as a pathologic proteinaceous substance which, when depo sited between the cells of tissues and organs, leads to various clinical co nditions. Immunohistochemistry has allowed for better classification and un derstanding of the pathophysiology of amyloidosis. In the upper aerodigesti ve tract, amyloidosis is a rare condition occurring most frequently in the larynx. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with complete nasal obst ruction due to primary nasopharyngeal amyloidosis. This represents the firs t reported case of primary nasopharyngeal amyloidosis containing both the l ambda and kappa immunoglobulin light chains. The clinical and radiologic fi ndings, as well as the management of primary amyloidosis of the upper aerod igestive tract, will be discussed. A review of the literature pertaining to nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis will be presented.