Fibrolipoma of the Hypopharynx

Abstract

Introduction: Hypopharyngeal lipomas are rare tumors of head and neck which present with vague symptoms like dysphagia, foreign body sensation in throat, feeling of something coming to the throat or mouth, choking sensations or with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. These tumors can cause upper airway obstruction and even asphyxial deaths presenting as medical emergency. Case report: We report one such case of a 38 year old female with hypopharyngeal lipoma who had presented to us with symptoms of dysphagia, choking episodes and foreign body sensation in throat. Discussion: Laryngoscopic examination in these cases is diagnostic to assess its size and site of attachment. Imaging studies like CT scan or MRI help in diagnosis.

Keywords

• Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms
• Lipoma
• Dysphagia
• Airway Obstruction