Vallecular cyst presenting as globus in a young adult

Abstract

Vallecular cysts are ductal cysts that form when a mucous gland or a lingual tonsillar crypt becomes dilated due to the obstruction from inflammation, irritation or trauma. The peak incidences of vallecular cysts are bimodal; they are more frequent in children compared to the adult group. We report a case of a 22-year-old lady who presented with globus sensation for more than a year. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy revealed a huge cystic mass at the vallecula obscuring the visualisation of the laryngeal inlet. Patient successfully underwent endoscopic excision of the vallecular cyst with no intra- and postoperative complications.

Keywords

• vallecular cyst
• laryngeal cyst
• endoscopic excision