Intraoral excision of a huge retropharyngeal lipoma causing dysphagia and obstructive sleep apnea

Publication date: Available online 17 November 2016
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Umit Aydin, Omer Karakoc, Murat Binar, Fatih Arslan, Mustafa Gerek
BackgroundBenign tumors of the retropharyngeal space are relatively uncommon. Retropharyngeal lipomas can cause dysphagia and obstructive sleep apnea through the mass effect.Case reportA 24-year old male admitted to our clinic with complaints of progressive snoring, dysphagia and excessive daytime sleepiness for one year. Anterior bulging of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal wall was revealed by endoscopic examination. Polysomnography indicated a severe degree of obstructive sleep apnea. Radiological imaging revealed that the retropharyngeal lesion is of lipomatous origin. Surgical resection of the retropharyngeal mass was achieved by transoral approach. The patient's complaints of dysphagia, snoring and daytime sleepiness resolved after complete removal of the mass.ConclusionLipomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retropharyngeal region masses that may cause severe dysphagia and obstructive sleep apnea. The amelioration of obstructive sleep apnea severity approves the obstructive character of the lesion in the present case. The surgical approach changes depending on the location of lipoma. Transoral approach was the best choice for the surgical excision in this case.



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