Epignathus: a germ-cell tumour presenting as neonatal respiratory distress

A full-term neonate developed acute upper airway obstruction immediately after birth secondary to a polypoidal mass in the oropharynx. After the child's airway had been secured, the mass was excised and found to be a nasopharyngeal teratoma, a rare congenital germ cell tumour which is frequently associated with other congenital malformations. It is sometimes possible to diagnose these tumours in utero, thereby enabling appropriate precautions to be taken during the delivery, otherwise if the diagnosis is unknown, then it is essential for any attending clinician to urgently secure the airway by means of either intubation or tracheostomy. Such a case is presented with a review of the possible management options. This case emphasises the fact that although many conditions are uncommon, the total incidence of rare conditions is surprisingly high, and that care needs to be taken at all times in the management of patients, in order not to overlook such life-threatening diagnoses.