Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma clinically and radiologically masquerading as a Head & Neck Paraganglioma– A Case Report

Abstract

Background: This paper reports the first case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma clinically and radiologically masquerading as a head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL). Case Presentation: A 66-year-old male with unilateral hearing impairment and 7^th – 12^th (excluding 11^th) cranial nerve palsies was diagnosed radiologically with HNPGL by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, which revealed a hypointense and hyperintense punctate mass centered at the jugular fossa with intracranial extension. The ascending pharyngeal artery, recognized as the major feeder, was embolized by percutaneous embolization following digital subtraction angiography. Gross total resection of the tumor was followed by an uneventful postoperative recovery. Combined immunohistochemistry and histopathological morphology revealed a basaloid squamous cell carcinoma following which the patient completed radiotherapy and is at 3-month follow-up currently. Conclusion: This case report discusses the diagnostic pitfalls and management challenges of this rare entity based on prior evidence, as well as a literature review and clinical and surgical analysis.