A Cavum Cyst: A Case Report at the Nianakoro Fomba Hospital in Segou

Cavum cysts, or nasopharyngeal cysts, are rare benign lesions, often of congenital origin, developing in the nasopharynx. Their discovery is frequently incidental during radiological or endoscopic examinations due to their asymptomatic nature. However, when they are large or poorly localized, they can cause symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, recurrent serous otitis, or swallowing disorders. From an etiopathogenic perspective, they can result from the persistence of embryonic structures such as the Tornwaldt duct or from glandular obstruction. Diagnosis is primarily based on imaging, particularly MRI, and treatment is primarily surgical. This study reports a clinical case observed in the ENT department of Nianankoro Fomba Hospital in Ségou. This is a 7-year-old boy who has been suffering from inspiratory dyspnea, nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, postnasal drip, and nocturnal snoring for the past year. Clinical examination reveals good general condition but failure to thrive. Nasofibroscopy identifies a smooth, rounded, fluctuating mass partially occupying the cavum. Bilateral serous otitis media is also found on otoscopy. X-rays show a retronasal fluid-filled swelling. Endoscopic nasal excision is performed under general anesthesia. The postoperative course is favorable, with resolution of obstructive symptoms within the first few days. Histopathological analysis confirms a benign mucosal cyst. No signs of recurrence have been observed after six months of follow-up. This case illustrates the importance of endoscopic and radiological diagnosis in symptomatic forms of cavum cysts, and the good response to minimally invasive surgical treatment.