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Nasopharyngeal epignathus causing nasal airway blocking in a 4-year old child
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Klinikum Grosshadern, München, Germany.
Insights
Congenital oral teratoma, a rare epignathus, can present as a nasopharyngeal mass in children. This case highlights the importance of considering teratoma in the differential diagnosis of pediatric nasopharyngeal masses.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Congenital oral teratomas (epignathus) are exceedingly rare, particularly in older children.
- Nasopharyngeal masses in pediatric patients can present with varied symptoms, often mimicking more common conditions.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old female presented with nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and recurrent otitis media.
- Endoscopic examination revealed an irregular, partially mucosa-covered mass within the nasopharynx.
- MRI (T1-weighted) demonstrated signal characteristics consistent with fat content.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed a teratomatous malformation.
- The mass was identified as a congenital oral teratoma (epignathus).
Implications:
- Teratomas, though rare, must be included in the differential diagnosis for nasopharyngeal masses in children.
- Early diagnosis and surgical consideration are crucial for managing congenital teratomas.
- This case underscores the need for thorough investigation of persistent nasopharyngeal symptoms in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Congenital oral teratoma or epignathus is a very rare lesion, especially in older children. We report on a 4-year old female infant presenting with nasal blocking, little watery discharge and recurrent otitis. First adenoids were suspected. An endoscopic examination of the nose and nasopharynx demonstrated an irregular mass in the nasopharynx, covered partly by mucosa. A MRI-scan (T1-weighted) showed fat-intensity. Histological examination revealed a teratomatous malformation. Although rare, teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a nasopharyngeal mass in the paediatric age group.