Hairy Polyp of the Supratonsillar Fossa Causing Intermittent Airway Obstruction

Abstract

Introduction Dermoids frequently called “hairy polyps” and their nature have not been completely clarified.

Objectives To discuss the unusual presentation, symptoms, incidence, histology, and perioperative management of hairy polyps in the light of a case and current literature.

Resumed Report A 3-year-old boy presented with intermittent respiratory distress since birth. Oropharyngeal examination revealed a nasopharyngeal mass originating from the supratonsillar fossa. The mass was so mobile that it moved between the oropharynx and the nasopharynx during swallowing. The radiologic and pathologic examinations confirmed the mass as a hairy polyp.

Conclusion In a pediatric age group with airway obstruction, hairy polyps of the oropharyngeal region must also be included in the differential diagnosis.

Keywords

hairy polyp - airway obstruction - oropharynx - nasopharynx

Introduction

Dermoid cysts are rare and benign teratomatous congenital lesions. Hairy polyp (HP) is a developmental malformation that was described by Brown Kelly in 1918.[1] They are most commonly a type of dermoid.[2] They are frequently located in the orbit, nasal dorsum, floor of the mouth, infratemporal fossa, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and anterior and lateral side of the neck.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] They can also originate from the eustachian tube.[1] [9] Only 1 to 7% of all dermoid cysts affect the head and neck region; 23% of those are seen in the floor of the mouth.[10] [11] When dermoids and epidermoids are located in the head and neck region, they are the most congenital midline nasal masses.[12] Dermoid cysts, like teratomas, consist of embryonic germ layers. Teratomas contain all three germ layers including ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, and dermoid cysts contain only mesoderm and ectoderm.[13] Mesodermal elements, which include hair follicles and sweat glands within the wall of the dermoid cysts, differentiate it from simple epidermoid cysts.[14] [15] Although both HPs and dermoid cysts contain ectodermal and mesodermal germ layers histologically, dermoid cysts contain ectodermal inclusion cysts in their mesodermal layer, which is lacking in HPs.[12]

The purpose of this report is to present and discuss a rare case of oropharyngeal HP resulting in an upper airway obstruction during crying.

Review of the Literature with Differential Diagnosis

Various congenital pathologies may cause upper airway tract obstruction during early childhood (1 to 3 years old) such as teratoma, epidermoid, hemangioma, nasal glioma, meningocele, thyroglossal, or meningocele.[4] [16] [17] Because the management of these pathologies may be different, HP should be differentially diagnosed with these mentioned diseases. The differential diagnosis of naso-oropharyngeal teratomas should include an encephalocele or meningoencephalocele, as the treatment modalities are totally different. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head is a reliable and sufficient way to diagnose the presence of an intracranial involvement of encephalocele or meningoencephalocele, and histopathologic examination is required to diagnose hamartomas, teratomas, and HPs.[16] [17]

Case Report

A 3-year-old boy was referred to our department with a lifelong history of occasional pause of breathing while crying. Otorhinolaryngologic examination revealed a pedunculated rubbery mass, originating from the left supratonsillar fossa and extending to nasopharynx ([Fig. 1]). The mass moved from the nasopharynx to the orohypopharynx during swallowing and hence caused apnea. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated a cystic mass in the nasopharynx, originating from the left lateral oropharyngeal wall, which had a lipoid density. Most probable diagnosis was anticipated to be dermoid cyst. During surgery, following the opening the mouth with a McIvor retractor, the mass was located in the nasopharyngeal region. It looked to originate from both the supratonsillar fossa and the posterior tonsillar pillar. The mass was grabbed and the pedicle was dissected, which was then followed by a total removal using electrodiathermy ([Fig. 2]). The upper airway was evaluated for edema, distortion, or hemorrhage particularly in the early postoperative period. Pathologic examination reported a result of “hairy polyp” ([Fig. 3]). The postoperative period was uneventful, and no recurrence was noted in the follow-up period of 3 months.

Fig. 1 A pedunculated mass originating from the supratonsillar fossa and posterior tonsillar fold.

Fig. 2 Totally excised mass.

Fig. 3 Histopathologic examination revealed a polypoid mass covered with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Pilosebaceous units, hair follicles, fatty tissue, striated and smooth muscle fibers, and connective tissue bundles were observed in the stroma of the polypoid mass.

Discussion

HP symptoms depend on the size and location of the lesion.[18] The most common symptoms of HP in the oronasopharynx may include rhinorrhea, recurrent cough, failure to gain weight, snoring, and sleep apnea during infancy[2] [3] [4]; however, the latter two symptoms, although they might be life-threatening, have rarely been reported in the clinical presentations.[2] [3] [4] [14] HPs can also cause recurrent purulent otorrhea when the polyp originates from the eustachian tube and affects ventilation of middle ear.[9] The major complaint of the case presented here was the occasional pausing of breath during crying and thus causing sleep apnea. This may be so serious and urgent that 25% of the patients might die before being able to surgically intervene.[4] Therefore, the naso-oropharyngeal HP should be removed surgically as soon as possible. As in this case, the respiratory problems completely recovered immediately following surgery, which was followed by the recovery of all other symptoms within the following couple of months.

Most oronasopharyngeal hamartomas are seen in adults. Congenital nasopharyngeal teratomas contain a combination of mature and immature elements of all three germ layers.[4] [19]

There is still a debate regarding the etiology of dermoids and HP. There are basically three theories to explain the pathogenesis. According to the totipotential rest theory, DCs (dermoid cysts) arise from totipotent cells derived from ectodermal and mesodermal germinal layers. The congenital inclusion theory proposes inclusion of germinal layers into deeper tissues of fusion lines that have failed to undergo complete closure during embryonic life, leading to trapping of epithelial debris. Acquired implantation theory indicates traumatic events for the implantation of germinal derivatives into deeper tissues.[8] [20] HPs may be best classified as choristomas. Choristomas contain normal tissue in an anatomically foreign region.[18] There is no family history of our case. Although there have been some reports about inherited transmission in etiology, definite inheritance has not been clarified.[8] [20] [21] HPs are also not associated with congenital syndomes.[18] Malignant transformation has not been reported for oronasopharyngeal teratoma.[22]

Final Comments

In conclusion, in a pediatric age group with signs and symptoms of airway obstruction, oropharyngeal HPs must also be included in differential diagnosis.

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