Teratoma of the nasopharynx in a 46-day-old boy leading to airway obstruction: a case report and literature review

Nasopharyngeal teratomas are rare extragonadal germ cell tumors that occur infrequently in the head and neck region, with an incidence of 1 in 40,000 live births. These tumors, often detected at birth or in early infancy, consist of various tissues derived from multiple germ cell layers and can pose significant clinical challenges due to their propensity to obstruct the airway. We report a case of a 46-day-old boy who presented with respiratory distress due to a mature teratoma located in the right nasopharyngeal region. Following initial respiratory management and diagnostic workup, which included bronchoscopy and imaging, the patient underwent surgical debulking using a modification of the Loeb palatal incision by a multidisciplinary team to alleviate airway obstruction. Histopathology confirmed a mature teratoma, and postoperative care included intensive monitoring and metabolic management. This case underscores the critical need for early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and collaborative management to prevent life-threatening complications in neonates with nasopharyngeal teratomas. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment for these cases, with postoperative monitoring essential for ensuring patient stability. This case contributes to the literature on neonatal nasopharyngeal teratomas, emphasizing the role of a multidisciplinary approach in achieving favorable outcomes in complex presentations of this rare condition.