Nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting as a peritonsillar abscess

Abstract Nasopharyngeal cancers account for 1–5% of all childhood cancers. Its symptoms can often be deceptive and confusing. Peritonsillar abscess is generally seen as a complication of acute tonsillitis in young subjects. It may, however, in rare cases reveal a malignant pharyngeal tumor. We report a rare case of undifferentiated carcinoma revealed by a peritonsillar abscess in a child.