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Nasopharyngeal Hairy Polyp Causing Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Hunter Hammett1, Amy K Krecker2, Samantha L Payton3
1School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|June 24, 2026
Summary
A rare congenital nasopharyngeal hairy polyp caused obstructive sleep symptoms in a child. Surgical removal resolved the obstruction, emphasizing the need to consider rare lesions in pediatric sleep apnea diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Congenital nasopharyngeal hairy polyps are rare and can cause significant upper airway obstruction in infants.
- Obstructive sleep symptoms like snoring and apnea in children warrant thorough investigation for underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a congenital nasopharyngeal hairy polyp presenting as obstructive sleep apnea.
- To highlight the diagnostic and management considerations for this rare pediatric condition.
Main Methods:
- A 15-month-old female with obstructive sleep symptoms underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- A nasopharyngeal mass was identified and surgically excised via transoral approach.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a benign hairy polyp.
Main Results:
- MRI revealed a 2.5-cm nasopharyngeal mass.
- Transoral excision was successful without complications.
- Histopathology confirmed a benign hairy polyp composed of adipose tissue, muscle, cartilage, and keratinized squamous epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Congenital nasopharyngeal hairy polyps, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to complete symptom resolution and improved patient outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation for pediatric airway obstruction.
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