Adult Thornwalt Cyst: A Rare Case Report

Nasopharyngeal cysts are rare benign entity, smaller in size and usually asymptomatic. They are mostly diagnosed incidentally on MRI. Larger cysts commonly presents with spasmodic and obstructive symptoms. Thornwaldt cysts are congenital cysts originating from the mid- line of the nasopharynx just above the upper border of the superior constrictor muscle. They represent primitive communication between notochord remnants and the pharyngeal endoderm. We report this case because of its unique presentation in a 35 year old male. Patient presented with nasal blockage, nasal discharge, snoring, ear pain and aural fullness, intermittent neck pain and neck stiffness. Preoperative evaluation included diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-scan). A large cystic mass of size 2.8 cm × 3 cm was diagnosed on DNE and MRI. Transnasal Marsupialisation and excision of the cyst was planned using powered instruments. Post operatively, patient noticed marked improvement in the obstructive symptoms. Regular follow up was done 6 monthly for 2 years. No recurrence was noted on DNE. Although a rare pathology in adulthood, it should be kept as a differential diagnosis for cervical pain and neck stiffness.