ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to describe a retropharyngeal myxoma and discuss clinical
concerns regarding this pathology and a retropharyngeal site of occurrence. We present
a case report and review of literature. A 71-year-old woman presented with mild right
neck pressure for 3 weeks. Imaging studies and head neck examination confirmed a 5.3 × 3.1 × 1.0
cm retropharyngeal mass with no communication to the vertebral column but was intimately
involved with the pharyngeal mucosa. A transoral fine needle aspiration biopsy suggested
a possible spindle cell neoplasm. A presurgical swallowing consultation was obtained.
A transoral excision of the tumor was possible with no intraoperative complications.
Histopathology was a cellular myxoma. Postoperative dysphagia required swallowing
therapy and nasogastric tube feeding for 2 weeks before oral intake was possible.
The patient has no evidence of clinical or radiological recurrence more than 1 year
after surgical intervention. We present the second case of a myxoma in the retropharynx
reported in English literature. Transoral excision was safe, feasible, and cosmetically
appealing option in our patient. Additional clinical data are required to valid its
safety and utility as an approach to tumors in the retropharynx. Postoperative dysphagia
can be significant and consequently we recommend preoperative swallowing evaluation
and counseling.
KEYWORDS
Retropharyngeal - myxoma - transoral surgery - retropharynx
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Rohan R WalvekarM.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, LSU Health Sciences
Center
533 Bolivar Street, Suite 566, New Orleans, LA 70112
eMail: rwalve@lsuhsc.edu
