Skull Base Rep 2011; 1(2): 139-144
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1287685
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Transoral Resection of a Retropharyngeal Myxoma: A Case Report

James R. White1 , Sean Weiss1 , Dwayne Anderson2 , Stephen E. Mason3 , Mell A. Schexnaildre1 , 4 , Daniel W. Nuss1 , Rohan R. Walvekar1
  • 1Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
  • 2Department of Neuroradiology and Interventional Neuroradiology, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • 3Pathology Group of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • 4Voice Center, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 October 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to describe a retropharyngeal myxoma and discuss clinical concerns regarding this pathology and a retropharyngeal site of occurrence. We present a case report and review of literature. A 71-year-old woman presented with mild right neck pressure for 3 weeks. Imaging studies and head neck examination confirmed a 5.3 × 3.1 × 1.0 cm retropharyngeal mass with no communication to the vertebral column but was intimately involved with the pharyngeal mucosa. A transoral fine needle aspiration biopsy suggested a possible spindle cell neoplasm. A presurgical swallowing consultation was obtained. A transoral excision of the tumor was possible with no intraoperative complications. Histopathology was a cellular myxoma. Postoperative dysphagia required swallowing therapy and nasogastric tube feeding for 2 weeks before oral intake was possible. The patient has no evidence of clinical or radiological recurrence more than 1 year after surgical intervention. We present the second case of a myxoma in the retropharynx reported in English literature. Transoral excision was safe, feasible, and cosmetically appealing option in our patient. Additional clinical data are required to valid its safety and utility as an approach to tumors in the retropharynx. Postoperative dysphagia can be significant and consequently we recommend preoperative swallowing evaluation and counseling.

REFERENCES

Rohan R WalvekarM.D. 

Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center

533 Bolivar Street, Suite 566, New Orleans, LA 70112

Email: rwalve@lsuhsc.edu