Obstructing in Utero Oropharyngeal Mass: Case Report of a Lymphatic Malformation Arising within an Oropharyngeal Teratoma

Abstract

An ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure was performed to deliver a fetus with a multiseptated, entirely cystic, 4.5 × 5.0 × 4.0-cm mass occupying the oropharynx and oral cavity with protrusion from the mouth. Surgical excision was performed, and final pathologic diagnosis revealed a lymphatic malformation arising within a cystic oropharyngeal teratoma. Lymphatic malformations are virtually indistinguishable radiologically from rare, purely cystic teratomata, and efforts have been made to distinguish between the two in utero because of differing available treatment modalities. This represents the first documented case in the literature of a lymphatic malformation arising from within an oropharyngeal teratoma.