The EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) most commonly arises in which anatomical subsite?

• A Adenoid pad
• B Posterior pharyngeal wall
• C Eustachian tube orifice exclusively
• D Fossa of Rosenmüller (lateral pharyngeal recess) ✓

Explanation

Over 60% of nasopharyngeal carcinomas arise in the fossa of Rosenmüller (the pharyngeal recess lateral to the torus tubarius), which is the deepest part of the nasopharynx and difficult to visualise clinically. EBV is associated with Type II (non-keratinising) and Type III (undifferentiated) NPC, which predominate in endemic regions (southern China, Southeast Asia, North Africa). Early cranial nerve involvement (via foramen lacerum, cavernous sinus) and cervical node metastasis are common presenting features.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.