Soft Palatal Pedunculated Teratoma in an Infant

Background: Aberrant ectodermal tissues during embryonic development are causative agents for dermoid and epidermoid cysts. However, an asymptomatic dermoid cyst arising from the soft palate, diagnosed as a mature teratoma, is rare. Clinical Description: A 7-month-old female infant presented with a history of an oral mass intermittently visible during the episodes of coughing or vomiting, since the fourth day of life, without any feeding or breathing difficulties. At presentation, the baby was stable; systemic examination was normal. No mass was visible on oropharyngeal examination. Management and Outcome: Routine blood investigations were normal. Computed tomography done earlier at 5 months had shown a soft-tissue mass located distal to the cricopharyngeal area, causing narrowing of the esophageal lumen. Videolaryngoscopy revealed a pedunculated mass originating from the soft palate. It was carefully delivered out into the oral cavity and surgically excised. Histopathological examination was consistent with mature teratoma. The patient remained asymptomatic for 2 years postoperatively, having no recurrence. Conclusion: The case creates the awareness about a soft palatal dermoid cyst, which is a rare anomaly, and may not be clinically visible to physician, especially if pedunculated. Knowledge about this condition may help in raising the suspicion, and appropriate procedure may be done for successful removal.