Sleep apnea syndrome associated with a neck mass

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Sleep Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Sleep apnea is increasingly diagnosed due to improved understanding of its signs and symptoms.
• Obstructive sleep apnea can arise from various anatomical obstructions.
• Submandibular masses are uncommon causes of airway compromise.

Observation:

• Presents the first reported case of sleep apnea secondary to a submandibular lipoma.
• The patient experienced symptoms consistent with sleep apnea.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed the presence and location of the lipoma.

Findings:

• Surgical excision of the submandibular lipoma was performed.
• Operative findings confirmed the lipoma as the cause of airway obstruction.
• Postoperative results indicated resolution of sleep apnea symptoms.

Implications:

• This case expands the differential diagnosis for sleep apnea etiologies.
• Highlights the need for thorough evaluation of neck masses in patients with sleep apnea.
• Demonstrates successful surgical management for this rare presentation of sleep apnea.