Teratoma presenting as a nasal polypoidal mass in a newborn: an endoscopic resection

Introduction: Extragonadal teratomas are more common in the sacrococcygeal region. Although teratomas arising from the head and neck region are rare, they can give rise upper airway obstruction in the newborn, requiring early excision. A ‘term’ new born delivered with a polypoidal mass protruding through the right nostril, developed respiratory distress due to upper airway obstruction and required intubation. CT and MRI scan of the head showed an irregular shaped mass occupying the right nasal cavity, nasopharynx and protruding into the oral cavity with the possibly of being a teratoma. The tumour was resected endoscopically via transnasal and transoral routes. Histopathology confirmed it as mature teratoma.
Conclusion: Although most teratoma are benign and asymptomatic, teratomas arising in the head and neck can give rise to upper airway obstruction and respiratory distress in new born and requires intubation to secure airway and early resection.