Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasal cavity with epiphora as the first symptom: A case report

RATIONALE: Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare malignancies that originate from the hormone-producing cells of the neuroendocrine system. They can grow in most organs of the body but are commonly found in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The nasal cavity is a rare site for NECs. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of NECs in a 45-year-old woman who presented with epiphora in the right eye for a year owing to an unknown reason. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was initially confirmed via histological and immunohistochemical assays. Postoperatively, computed tomography of the neck revealed C4 vertebral bone metastasis. INTERVENTIONS: The tumor was endoscopically removed from the right eye. The patient received a full course of adjuvant polychemotherapy. OUTCOMES: Six months after diagnosis, the patient died due to bone metastasis. LESSONS: Diagnosing nasal neuroendocrine carcinoma is clinically challenging. It must be distinguished from other orbital masses, such as chronic dacryocystitis or nasal polyps. The treatment should be further investigated for this rare malignancy in near future.