Pharyngeal Teratomas

Introduction:

Teratomas of the naso- and Oropharynx are extremely rare congenital tumors. Because of their location in the upper Airway, they can lead to obstructions. They present clinically essentially in the childhood. They must be differentiated from other causes that obstruct the Airway like neoplasms or Abscess of the Epiglottis.

Course:

13 years old childe presents in the ER with since days persistent odynophagia, Muffling of speech as well as dyspnea and stridor. The enoral inspection revealed swelling of the tongue base, flexible transnasal endoscopy revealed laryngeal and hypopharyngeal obstruction through a mass that seems to originate from the left lower tonsillar pole. The glottis wasn't visible. The child was fiber optic emergently intubated to secure the airway and perform a microlaryngoscopy subsequently. Intraoperative presented a 2 × 5 cm mass that originate from the lower tonsillar pole. This was eliminated surgically. The histological analysis revealed a nasopharyngeal teratoma.

Outcome:

The Patient was postoperative free of symptoms. A MRI of the cranium revealed no malformation of the pituitary gland.

Discussion:

Teratomas of the naso- and oropharynx are extremely rare congenital tumors. They can cause acute obstruction of the airway in childhood and young adults. The must be eliminated and histologically differentiated from other causes that obstruct the Airway like other neoplasms or abscess of the epiglottis. A malformation of the pituitary gland must be excluded through radiological studies, as there is a known association with pharyngeal teratomas.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)