DEK::AFF2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a Deceptive Mimic of Inverted Sinonasal Papilloma

A Case Report

Authors

  • Karen Cybelle Sotalbo Philippine General Hospital
  • Jonathan Rivera Philippine General Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0268-4664
  • Clarisse Nuqui Philippine General Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21141/PJP.2026.615

Keywords:

DEK, AFF2, squamous cell carcinoma, case report, Philippines

Abstract

An elderly Filipino female presented with a 5-year enlarging left nasolacrimal mass initially diagnosed as Inverted Papilloma of the Lacrimal Sac.  Repeat biopsy revealed a papillomatous neoplasm with thick and thin papillae, solid invaginating lobules, and anastomosing trabeculae of monomorphic squamotransitional cells, briskly infiltrated by neutrophils. Mucocytes, respiratory epithelium, and microcysts, typical of Inverting Sinonasal Papilloma, are absent. Immunohistochemistry, including a validated AFF2 IHC, confirmed the diagnosis of DEK::AFF2 sinonasal carcinoma.  Awareness of this emerging entity is essential to prevent misdiagnosis and prompt surgical management.

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Author Biographies

Karen Cybelle Sotalbo, Philippine General Hospital

Department of Laboratories, Philippine General Hospital

Jonathan Rivera, Philippine General Hospital

Department of Laboratories, Philippine General Hospital

Clarisse Nuqui, Philippine General Hospital

Department of Laboratories, Philippine General Hospital

References

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Published

06/11/2026

How to Cite

Sotalbo, K. C., Rivera, J., & Nuqui, C. (2026). DEK::AFF2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a Deceptive Mimic of Inverted Sinonasal Papilloma: A Case Report. The Philippine Journal of Pathology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.21141/PJP.2026.615

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