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[Accessory external ear in the oropharynx]
Insights
A rare congenital anomaly, an accessory ear lobe on the soft palate, caused breathing and swallowing issues in a newborn. Surgical removal was successful, with normal development observed later.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Congenital malformations can present with diverse and unexpected anatomical variations.
- Accessory ear structures are typically external but can rarely occur internally.
Observation:
- A one-day-old infant presented with respiratory distress and dysphagia.
- A pedunculated, tumor-like mass was identified in the oropharynx, originating from the left soft palate.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the mass as a dystopic ear lobe.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the accessory ear lobe using the sling technique was uncomplicated.
- Post-operative follow-up at 1.75 years showed normal hearing and speech development.
- The malformation is hypothesized to arise from embryological branchial arch remnants.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of thorough differential diagnosis for oropharyngeal masses in neonates.
- Early surgical intervention can resolve functional deficits caused by such rare congenital anomalies.
- Distinguishing these malformations from teratoid tumors is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.
Abstract:
This report describes the case of a one-day old girl with an accessorial ear lobe in the region of the left soft palate. The girl was referred to us by the children's clinic because of shortness of breath and difficulties in swallowing. On inspecting the cavity of the mouth and the pharynx a pedunculated, ball-shaped, whitish, membranous tumour was identified. The size of the tumour was comparable to a cherry, hanging down from the left velum into the pharynx. It was possible to remove the tumour from its base by using the sling technique. The operation itself did not present any complications. The histological observation revealed a dystopical ear lobe. 13/4 years later, an oto-rhino- laryngological examination diagnosed normal hearing and faculty of speech. The origin as a surplus malformation of the embryological branchial archs is discussed. Due to the morphological result differentiation from a teratoid malformation is possible.