[Teratomas of the nasopharynx. A report of three cases]

Teratomas are the most common congenital tumors, but neoplasms of the nasopharynx are rare in neonates. The exact origin of teratomas is unknown and debated. Several theories of embryogenesis are possible. These neoplasms include elements from all three germinal layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). Four histological types of nasopharyngeal teratoma occur. We report three cases of dermoid teratoma. All the patients were siblings and two were twins. A review of several large series of pediatric teratomas confirmed the rarity of this site. The classification, clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment are reviewed.