Osteoma of the Hyoid Bone: Report of a Case

Abstract

Cartilagenous tumors of the hyoid bone, both benign and malignant, have been described in the pastchondrosarcoma, 1-4 chondroblastoma, 5 and chondroma. [6][7][8][9] This article describes an osteoma of the hyoid bone, probably the first of its kind to be reported. Case ReportA 38-year-old Sudanese man complained of a swelling in the left side of the upper neck of 10 months' duration ( Figure 1). It was painless, and he did not have any otolaryngic symptoms. The swelling, measuring about 5 × 4cm, was very hard and not mobile. The overlying skin was not adherent to the mass. The mass moved with the movement of the tongue and also during swallowing. It seemed to be very closely attached to the hyoid bone. Examination of the pharynx was normal, but indirect laryngoscopy showed a uniform smooth swelling in the left side of the laryngopharynx with intact and normal mucous membrane covering it. The vocal cords and the rest of the larynx were normal. No cervical lymphadenopathy was noted, and his general condition was satisfactory.Results of blood analyses and urinalysis were normal. Chest x-ray film was also normal. Plain x-ray film of the neck was reported as showing a homogenous cartilagenous mass in the neck anterior to trachea and pharynx in the region of the hyoid bone. The mass crossed the midline to the right side and seemed to arise from the anterior portion of the hyoid bone. It showed lamination, and the margins were not smooth. The tumor was excised under general anesthesia by a skin crease incision on the upper left side of the neck. It was a very hard mass, measuring 5 x 4 x 2 cm, with sessile base involving the left half of the hyoid bone. It was excised along with the left two thirds of the hyoid bone. The mucosal lining of the pharynx and larynx was left intact. The patient made a satisfactory recovery from surgery.