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.

Pharyngeal hairy polyps

“…Pharyngeal hairy polyp is a rare congenital benign disease, with the incidence rate of 1/40,000 from foreign literature statistics, [4–6] which is a soft pedunculated tongue-like mass, with hairy surface, presenting gray or slightly purple; [2] the clinical manifestation is as polyp. It often occurs in newborns, infants and young children; the incidence of female is higher than that of male (with the ratio of male to female = 1: 6).…”