A Rare Case of Large Nasopharyngeal Teratoma

Abstract

Congenital nasopharyngeal teratoma is a rare, germ cell tumour in newborns seen in the nose or throat. These can be life-threatening if they obstruct the airway or cause bleeding or infection. Treatment often involves surgery and may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Congenital germ cell tumours are uncommon, with the most common location being the sacrococcygeal region (incidence 1 in 4000). Head and neck teratomas (incidence 1 in 20000-40000) make up less than 10% of reported cases and nasopharyngeal teratomas are particularly rare. Preoperative CT scans and MRIs are helpful to rule out intracranial extension of the tumour. While most teratomas are benign, this case presents nasopharyngeal teratoma associated with severe birth asphyxia and bleeding with neonatal death.