Teratomas of the nasopharynx

The case of an infant with a large nasopharyngeal teratoma is presented. The tumor completely obstructed the airway and necessitated immediate intubation. It was excised the day of birth and the child's postoperative course has been satisfactory. A review of the literature reveals dermoid tumors to be relatively common but teratomas occur considerably less frequently. Four previously reported cases with successful surgical excision were found. The etiology of these lesions is unknown. They probably arise from uncontrolled growth of a pleripotential cell originating in the region of the embryonic notochord. Dermoid tumors often present in the adolescent or adult. Teratomas however, generally present in the neonate and are incompatible with life without surgical excision which provides the only chance of survival for these infants.