bubble_chart Overview

Teratomas are tumors originating from pluripotent embryonic tissue, and those occurring in the pharynx are rare, mostly located in the nasopharynx, with a higher incidence in females than in males, and are benign tumors.

bubble_chart Pathological Changes

The cause of the disease is unknown. It may originate from a true tumor of pluripotent germ layers, or it could be due to some embryonic cells detaching from the overall influence, leading to disorganized differentiation and excessive proliferation. The tissue composition of teratomas is complex, involving at least two germ layers, and their classification and naming are inconsistent. Commonly used classifications include: ① Dermoid cyst or dermoid tumor: This type is common and originates from the ectoderm and mesoderm. The tumor surface consists of skin, including sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair, hair follicles, etc. The stroma mainly includes adipose tissue, muscle, cartilage, bone, teeth, neural brain tissue, etc. All components are disorganized and do not form complete organs. ② Teratoid tumor and true teratoma: These arise from all three embryonic layers, including respiratory and digestive epithelium derived from the endoderm. The former is poorly differentiated and lacks organ-like tissue, while the latter is well-differentiated and exhibits organ-like tissue structures. Patients may also present with congenital cranial deformities. ③ Maxillary Chinese Taxillus Herb teratoma: This is a highly differentiated teratoma with fully developed organs and limbs, aligned with the host's embryonic axis and identifiable to the naked eye.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Small teratomas in the pharynx are often asymptomatic and diagnosed as fistula disease, sometimes discovered during a pharyngeal examination. Slightly larger tumors may partially obstruct the pharyngeal cavity, leading to symptoms such as snoring, discontinuous sucking, increased nasal secretions, a heavy nasal voice, throat itching, nausea, and vomiting. Most tumors have a stalk; larger tumors perpendicular to the hypopharynx or laryngeal vestibule can cause asphyxia; those falling into the esophagus can cause dysphagia; and those obstructing the nasopharynx can lead to mouth breathing and feeding difficulties in children.

Physical examination often reveals that the tumors are mostly pedunculated, highly mobile, resembling polyps, and are mass-like. The base of the stalk is a mucous membrane, and the surface of the tumor is grayish-white or translucent, with numerous yellow cilia or hairs.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Larger tumors are easier to diagnose, while smaller tumors and those located in the nasopharynx are more difficult to diagnose. Nasopharyngeal palpation, skull base X-rays, CT scans, and other examinations can aid in diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis is based on pathological results.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Surgical resection should be performed, and pedunculated tumors are easier to remove; for nasopharyngeal tumors with a broad base and no significant respiratory distress, surgery can be temporarily postponed, while for those with obvious symptoms, a lateral pharyngotomy may be performed.