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Pistachio nutshell foreign body of the oral cavity in two children

Steven E Sobol1, Ian N Jacobs, Lawrence Levin

  • 1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Richard D. Wood Center, 1st Floor, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|July 9, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pistachio nutshells can lodge in the oral cavity, causing lesions in young children. This study highlights two pediatric cases of hard palate masses caused by pistachio nutshell foreign bodies.

Area of Science:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Foreign Body Aspiration

Background:

  • Pistachio nutshells are a known cause of foreign body impaction.
  • While commonly found in the bronchi, oral cavity involvement is less frequent.
  • Early identification and removal are crucial for pediatric patients.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases presented with hard palate masses.
  • A 9-month-old male had a 1.5 cm submucosal mass.
  • A 17-month-old female presented with a firm, fixed midline mass that dislodged.

Findings:

  • Both lesions were identified as pistachio nutshell foreign bodies.
  • Surgical evaluation confirmed the presence of the nutshells.
  • The location in the hard palate was unusual for this type of foreign body.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations of foreign bodies.
  • Emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in pediatric oral masses.
  • Suggests increased awareness among clinicians regarding pistachio nutshell foreign bodies in the oral cavity.

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