Naso-ethmoidal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor: a rare tumor site for an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome

Mesenchymal Phosphaturic Tumors (MPTs) are the most common cause of an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome known as Tumor Induced Osteomalacia (TIO). They typically occur in soft tissues and bone and in less than 5% in the head and neck region where the naso-ethmoidal is rarely involved. The presentation of the case includes also the analysis of the expression by RT-PCR of two “phosphatonins” that are known to be involved in the development of the syndrome. For the rarity of MPTs in the head and neck, otolaryngologists and maxillofacial surgeons might not be familiar with these tumors and with TIO whose knowledge is mandatory for the appropriate clinical work-up and treatment of the affected patients.