Epiglottic Cyst Incidentally Discovered During Screening Endoscopy: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

From the endoscopists' point of view, although the main focus of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination is the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (usually bulb and 2nd portion including ampulla of Vater), the portions of the upper airway may also be observed during insertion and withdrawal of the endoscope, such as pharynx and larynx. Thus, a variety of pathologic lesions of the upper airway can be encountered during upper endoscopy. Among these lesions, an epiglottic cyst is relatively uncommon. The cyst has no malignant potential and mostly remains asymptomatic in adults. However, if large enough, epiglottic cysts can compromise the airway and can be potentially life-threatening when an emergency endotracheal intubation is needed. Thus, patients may benefit from early detection and treatment of these relatively asymptomatic lesions. In this report, we present a case of epiglottic cyst in an asymptomatic adult incidentally found by family physician during screening endoscopy, which was successfully removed without complication, using a laryngoscopic carbon dioxide laser.

Epiglottic Epidermoid Cyst: Cadaveric Case Report and Clinical-Surgical Applications

“…They are often discovered incidentally during screening endoscopy or intubation. In these circumstances, they are associated with complications such as difficult intubation and ventilation as well as cyst rupture [ 3 , 6 ]. This report describes the first, to our knowledge, cadaveric case of an epiglottic epidermoid cyst and considers the clinical and surgical implications of the relationship with its place of development, size, orientation, and its adjacent structures.…”