Sonographic evaluation of epignathus

Epignathus is extremely rare form of teratoid tumor arising from the palate or pharynx in the region of basisphenoid (Rathke's pouch), filling the buccal cavity and protruding from the mouth. This tumor usually causes death in neonatal life because of its location and because surgical removal is often impossible. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis is important for genetic counseling, obstetric management and in some cases neonatal surgery. We present a case of epignathus originating from the hard palate in a female child delivered at gestational week 33 by caesarian section due to increasing hydramniosis.