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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.

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 1918.1Agrawal N, Kanabar D, Morrison GA. Combined transoral and nasendoscopic resection of an eustachian tube hairy polyp causing neonatal respiratory distress. Am J Otolaryngol 2009;30(5): 343-346 They are most commonly a type of dermoid.2Karagama YG, Williams RS, Barclay G, Lancaster JL, Kokai GK. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx in a newborn: a case report. Rhinology 2003;41(1):56-57 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.3Kayhan FT, Aydin YZ, Babalioglu M. A nasopharyngeal dermoid causing neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1997;40(2-3):195-2014Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-10905Coppit GL III, Perkins JA, Manning SC. Nasopharyngeal teratomas and dermoids: a review of the literature and case series. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2000;52(3):219-2276Tuz M, Dogru H, Uygur K, Baykal B. Rapidly growing sublingual dermoid cyst throughout pregnancy. Am J Otolaryngol 2003; 24(5):334-3377Fuchshuber S, Grevers G, Issing WJ. Dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth-a case report. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2002;259(2):60-628Görür K, Talas DÜ, Özcan C. An unusual presentation of neck dermoid cyst. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2005;262(4):353-355 They can also originate from the eustachian tube.1Agrawal N, Kanabar D, Morrison GA. Combined transoral and nasendoscopic resection of an eustachian tube hairy polyp causing neonatal respiratory distress. Am J Otolaryngol 2009;30(5): 343-3469Jin L, Zhang T. Surgical treatment of hairy polyp in the eustachian tube. Chin Med J (Engl) 2014;127(5):988-989 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.1010 Uppal HS, D'Souza AR, De R, Irving RM. Dermoid cyst of the infratemporal fossa. J Laryngol Otol 2002;116(2):150-1521111 Guarisco JL. Congenital head and neck masses in infants and children. Part II. Ear Nose Throat J 1991;70(2):75-82 When dermoids and epidermoids are located in the head and neck region, they are the most congenital midline nasal masses.1212 White LJ, Shehata BM, Rajan R. Hairy polyp of the anterior nasal cavity. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2013;149(6):961-962 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.1313 Rapidis AD, Angelopoulos AP, Scouteris C. Dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth. Report of a case. Br J Oral Surg 1981;19(1):43-51 Mesodermal elements, which include hair follicles and sweat glands within the wall of the dermoid cysts, differentiate it from simple epidermoid cysts.1414 Burns BV, Axon PR, Pahade A. "Hairy polyp" of the pharynx in association with an ipsilateral branchial sinus: evidence that the "hairy polyp" is a second branchial arch malformation. J Laryngol Otol 2001;115(2):145-1481515 Bloom D, Carvalho D, Edmonds J, Magit A. Neonatal dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth extending to the midline neck. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;128(1):68-70 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.1212 White LJ, Shehata BM, Rajan R. Hairy polyp of the anterior nasal cavity. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2013;149(6):961-962

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.4Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-10901616 Pincus RL. Congenital neck masses. In: Bailey BJ, ed. Head & Neck Surg Otolaryngol. In: Bailey BJ (ed) Head and Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:932-939 1717 Walsh RM, Philip G, Salama NY. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx: an unusual cause of intermittent neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1996;34(1-2):129-134 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.1616 Pincus RL. Congenital neck masses. In: Bailey BJ, ed. Head & Neck Surg Otolaryngol. In: Bailey BJ (ed) Head and Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:932-939 1717 Walsh RM, Philip G, Salama NY. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx: an unusual cause of intermittent neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1996;34(1-2):129-134

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.1818 Lignitz S, Haug V, Siegmund B, Mann WJ, Coerdt W, Mildenberger E. Intermittent dyspnea and cyanosis in a newborn caused by a hairy polyp. Pediatr Neonatol 2014;55(3):231-232 The most common symptoms of HP in the oronasopharynx may include rhinorrhea, recurrent cough, failure to gain weight, snoring, and sleep apnea during infancy2Karagama YG, Williams RS, Barclay G, Lancaster JL, Kokai GK. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx in a newborn: a case report. Rhinology 2003;41(1):56-573Kayhan FT, Aydin YZ, Babalioglu M. A nasopharyngeal dermoid causing neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1997;40(2-3):195-2014Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-1090; however, the latter two symptoms, although they might be life-threatening, have rarely been reported in the clinical presentations.2Karagama YG, Williams RS, Barclay G, Lancaster JL, Kokai GK. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx in a newborn: a case report. Rhinology 2003;41(1):56-573Kayhan FT, Aydin YZ, Babalioglu M. A nasopharyngeal dermoid causing neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1997;40(2-3):195-2014Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-10901414 Burns BV, Axon PR, Pahade A. "Hairy polyp" of the pharynx in association with an ipsilateral branchial sinus: evidence that the "hairy polyp" is a second branchial arch malformation. J Laryngol Otol 2001;115(2):145-148 HPs can also cause recurrent purulent otorrhea when the polyp originates from the eustachian tube and affects ventilation of middle ear.9Jin L, Zhang T. Surgical treatment of hairy polyp in the eustachian tube. Chin Med J (Engl) 2014;127(5):988-989 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.4Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-1090 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.4Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-10901919 Singh RK, Hasan SA, Srivastava RN, Singh PK. Teratoma of the nasopharynx. Ear Nose Throat J 1988;67(9):692-695, 694-695

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.8Görür K, Talas DÜ, Özcan C. An unusual presentation of neck dermoid cyst. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2005;262(4):353-3552020 Bratton C, Suskind DL, Thomas T, Kluka EA. Autosomal dominant familial frontonasal dermoid cysts: a mother and her identical twin daughters. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;57(3): 249-253 HPs may be best classified as choristomas. Choristomas contain normal tissue in an anatomically foreign region.1818 Lignitz S, Haug V, Siegmund B, Mann WJ, Coerdt W, Mildenberger E. Intermittent dyspnea and cyanosis in a newborn caused by a hairy polyp. Pediatr Neonatol 2014;55(3):231-232 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.8Görür K, Talas DÜ, Özcan C. An unusual presentation of neck dermoid cyst. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2005;262(4):353-3552020 Bratton C, Suskind DL, Thomas T, Kluka EA. Autosomal dominant familial frontonasal dermoid cysts: a mother and her identical twin daughters. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;57(3): 249-2532121 Nicollas R, Guelfucci B, Roman S, Triglia JM. Congenital cysts and fistulas of the neck. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2000;55(2): 117-124 HPs are also not associated with congenital syndomes.1818 Lignitz S, Haug V, Siegmund B, Mann WJ, Coerdt W, Mildenberger E. Intermittent dyspnea and cyanosis in a newborn caused by a hairy polyp. Pediatr Neonatol 2014;55(3):231-232 Malignant transformation has not been reported for oronasopharyngeal teratoma.2222 Cohen AF, Mitsudo S, Ruben RJ. Nasopharyngeal teratoma in the neonate. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1987;14(2-3):187-195

Conclusion

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

References

  • 1
    Agrawal N, Kanabar D, Morrison GA. Combined transoral and nasendoscopic resection of an eustachian tube hairy polyp causing neonatal respiratory distress. Am J Otolaryngol 2009;30(5): 343-346
  • 2
    Karagama YG, Williams RS, Barclay G, Lancaster JL, Kokai GK. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx in a newborn: a case report. Rhinology 2003;41(1):56-57
  • 3
    Kayhan FT, Aydin YZ, Babalioglu M. A nasopharyngeal dermoid causing neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1997;40(2-3):195-201
  • 4
    Roh JL. Transoral endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal hairy polyp. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2004;68(8):1087-1090
  • 5
    Coppit GL III, Perkins JA, Manning SC. Nasopharyngeal teratomas and dermoids: a review of the literature and case series. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2000;52(3):219-227
  • 6
    Tuz M, Dogru H, Uygur K, Baykal B. Rapidly growing sublingual dermoid cyst throughout pregnancy. Am J Otolaryngol 2003; 24(5):334-337
  • 7
    Fuchshuber S, Grevers G, Issing WJ. Dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth-a case report. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2002;259(2):60-62
  • 8
    Görür K, Talas DÜ, Özcan C. An unusual presentation of neck dermoid cyst. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2005;262(4):353-355
  • 9
    Jin L, Zhang T. Surgical treatment of hairy polyp in the eustachian tube. Chin Med J (Engl) 2014;127(5):988-989
  • 10
    Uppal HS, D'Souza AR, De R, Irving RM. Dermoid cyst of the infratemporal fossa. J Laryngol Otol 2002;116(2):150-152
  • 11
    Guarisco JL. Congenital head and neck masses in infants and children. Part II. Ear Nose Throat J 1991;70(2):75-82
  • 12
    White LJ, Shehata BM, Rajan R. Hairy polyp of the anterior nasal cavity. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2013;149(6):961-962
  • 13
    Rapidis AD, Angelopoulos AP, Scouteris C. Dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth. Report of a case. Br J Oral Surg 1981;19(1):43-51
  • 14
    Burns BV, Axon PR, Pahade A. "Hairy polyp" of the pharynx in association with an ipsilateral branchial sinus: evidence that the "hairy polyp" is a second branchial arch malformation. J Laryngol Otol 2001;115(2):145-148
  • 15
    Bloom D, Carvalho D, Edmonds J, Magit A. Neonatal dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth extending to the midline neck. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;128(1):68-70
  • 16
    Pincus RL. Congenital neck masses. In: Bailey BJ, ed. Head & Neck Surg Otolaryngol. In: Bailey BJ (ed) Head and Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:932-939
  • 17
    Walsh RM, Philip G, Salama NY. Hairy polyp of the oropharynx: an unusual cause of intermittent neonatal airway obstruction. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1996;34(1-2):129-134
  • 18
    Lignitz S, Haug V, Siegmund B, Mann WJ, Coerdt W, Mildenberger E. Intermittent dyspnea and cyanosis in a newborn caused by a hairy polyp. Pediatr Neonatol 2014;55(3):231-232
  • 19
    Singh RK, Hasan SA, Srivastava RN, Singh PK. Teratoma of the nasopharynx. Ear Nose Throat J 1988;67(9):692-695, 694-695
  • 20
    Bratton C, Suskind DL, Thomas T, Kluka EA. Autosomal dominant familial frontonasal dermoid cysts: a mother and her identical twin daughters. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;57(3): 249-253
  • 21
    Nicollas R, Guelfucci B, Roman S, Triglia JM. Congenital cysts and fistulas of the neck. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2000;55(2): 117-124
  • 22
    Cohen AF, Mitsudo S, Ruben RJ. Nasopharyngeal teratoma in the neonate. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1987;14(2-3):187-195

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jan-Mar 2015

History

  • Received
    22 May 2014
  • Accepted
    07 July 2014
Fundação Otorrinolaringologia R. Teodoro Sampaio, 483, 05405-000 São Paulo/SP Brasil, Tel.: (55 11) 3068-9855, Fax: (55 11) 3079-6769 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
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