Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Immature Oropharyngeal Teratoma in the First Trimester: A Case Report

Abstract

Epignathus or oro-pharyngeal teratoma is an extremely rare, benign congenital tumor, occurring in 1 in 35,000–200,000 live births. They usually arise from the sphenoid region of the hard palate, posterior nasopharynx, upper lip and nose, soft palate, tonsil or tongue. The typical appearance is that of a solid irregular mass containing both cystic and solid elements, protruding from the oral cavity. Their occurrence in the first trimester is extremely rare. We report a case of fetal immature orofacial teratoma detected in the first trimester and confirmed with histopathological diagnosis. The index pregnancy presented at 13 1/7 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound examination demonstrated an irregular, mixed echogenic mass with solid and cystic components protruding from the fetal mouth, between the tongue and the palate. Following extensive counselling, the couple opted for termination of the pregnancy. Histopathological examination confirmed the tumor to be an immature oral teratoma.

Keywords

Epignathus - Oropharyngeal teratoma - Fetal immature teratoma - Fetal tumors - Early target scan

Publication History

Received: 23 December 2020

Accepted: 06 February 2021

Article published online:
05 May 2023