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 Table of Contents  
CASE REPORT
Year : 2012  |  Volume : 28  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 156-157

Lateral nasopharyngeal cysts


Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

Date of Submission19-Feb-2012
Date of Acceptance19-Feb-2012
Date of Web Publication17-Jun-2014

Correspondence Address:
Mohamed Adel Khalifa
MD, Department of Otolaryngology, Tanta University Hospital, PO Box 378, Tanta
Egypt
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.7123/01.EJO.0000413107.44617.15

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  Abstract 

Objective

We report an extremely rare case of lateral nasopharyngeal cysts.

Method

Case reports and a review of the world literature on lateral pharyngeal cysts are presented.

Results

A 45-year-old male patient presented with a swelling in the nasopharynx. This swelling was oblong in shape, with a smooth bluish red surface with its inferior aspect projecting toward the oropharynx. Endoscopic nasal examination showed its attachment to be superior to the left side of the nasopharynx. Computed tomography scan axial cut showed a radio-opaque shadow of the cyst occupying the left half of the nasopharynx.

Conclusion

Congenital branchiogenic cysts of the nasopharynx are quite rare. They originate from the second pharyngeal pouch and attach to one side of the nasopharyngeal roof just behind the posterior choanal opening.

Keywords: branchiogenic cyst, congenital cysts, cysts, nasopharynx, vestigial cyst


How to cite this article:
Khalifa MA, Makshat M. Lateral nasopharyngeal cysts. Egypt J Otolaryngol 2012;28:156-7

How to cite this URL:
Khalifa MA, Makshat M. Lateral nasopharyngeal cysts. Egypt J Otolaryngol [serial online] 2012 [cited 2024 Mar 28];28:156-7. Available from: http://www.ejo.eg.net/text.asp?2012/28/2/156/134551


  Introduction Top


Branchiogenic cysts from the second pharyngeal pouch are rare. They may originate from either the ventral or the dorsal portion of this pouch. It is usually situated in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx; hence, a better name for such a cyst is a ‘lateral vestigial cyst’. It is lined by ciliated columnar epithelium 1.


  Case report Top


A 45-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with a history of near complete nasal obstruction, snoring, and decreased hearing. This condition was progressive, with no response to medications. Physical examination revealed a swelling in the nasopharynx. This swelling was oblong in shape, with a smooth bluish red surface with its inferior aspect projecting toward the oropharynx. Endoscopic nasal examination showed its attachment superior to the left side of the nasopharynx just posterior to the left posterior choana, covering the left fossa of the Rosenmuller. The swelling was cystic to palpation and had a smooth surface. Computed tomography scans showed a soft tissue swelling in the left half of the nasopharynx [Figure 1].
Figure 1: Computed tomography scan axial cut, showing a radio-opaque shadow of the cyst occupying the left half of the nasopharynx (arrow).

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Audiometry revealed a conductive hearing loss secondary to bilateral middle ear effusion. Routine hematological examination was within normal limits.

Under general anesthesia, using a mouth gag and retraction of the soft palate by catheters, the mass was found to be cystic. Aspiration produced a dark brown chocolate-like fluid, oily in consistency. The cyst was then marsupialized. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. No recurrence has been noted up to date. The operation was performed 6 months ago.

Microscopic and bacteriologic studies of the cystic fluid revealed a few white cells and Gram-negative cocci, but no growth was obtained on cultures [Figure 2].
Figure 2: A low-power view showing the cyst space with some nuclear debris, lined by respiratory epithelium, with the subepithelium showing mononuclear inflammatory cells and blood capillaries (H&E, ×200).

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  Discussion Top


Cysts of the nasopharynx are rare. They may be either congenital or acquired. The congenital cysts may arise from midline-like cysts from the pharyngeal bursa, Rathke’s pouch, meningoceles, and dermoid cysts 2.

Lateral nasopharyngeal cysts are branchiogenic in origin. These branchiogenic cysts are very rare, and may originate from either the ventral or the dorsal portion of the second pharyngeal pouch 3.

There are no specific microscopic features for the different types of congenital cysts. However, their site and anatomical relations help in the diagnosis.

The cyst presented basically developed congenitally. Any form of acquired cyst or diverticulum would not have so much uniformly dispersed salivary gland tissue in its wall, and there was absence of any evidence of retention of salivary gland secretion or of any obstructive condition 4.


  Summary Top


Congenital branchiogenic cysts of the nasopharynx are quite rare. They originated from the second pharyngeal pouch and may be attached to one side of the nasopharyngeal roof just behind the posterior choanal opening. It is simply treated by marsupialization, with good long-term results.[4]

 
  References Top

1.Badrawy R, Safwat F, Fahmy S. Cysts of the nasopharynx. J Laryngol Otol. 1974;88:571–578  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.Snyman J, Claassen AJ. Lateral nasopharyngeal cysts. A case report. South Afr Med J. 1984;65:702  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.Gray SW, Skandalakis JL Embryology for surgeons. 1972 Philadelphia Saunders  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.Singh KP, Pahor AL. Congenital cyst of nasopharynx. J Laryngol Otol. 1977;91:75–79  Back to cited text no. 4
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]



 

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  In this article
Abstract
Introduction
Case report
Discussion
Summary
Introduction
Case report
Discussion
Summary
References
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