Novel use of a Weerda laryngoscope for transoral excision of a cervical ganglioneuroma: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>A ganglioneuroma is a benign neoplasm arising from neural crest cells of the sympathetic nerve fibers and is most commonly seen in the posterior mediastinum or retroperitoneum. Although very uncommon, ganglioneuromas must be included in the differential diagnosis of neck masses. In young adult women, neck incisions made for excision of these benign tumors should be avoided whenever possible.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We herein describe the case of a 19-year-old Japanese woman with a ganglioneuroma. The tumor was found in the parapharyngeal space, an unusual location. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed but was considered inadequate to make a definitive diagnosis, so the asymptomatic lesion was surgically excised using a Weerda laryngoscope. The lesion measured 4 × 3 cm in size and was encapsulated. A pathological analysis showed the presence of two distinct cell types, ganglion cells and Schwann cells, embedded in a loose myxoid stroma. The final diagnosis was a ganglioneuroma.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A complete excision was made possible by using a transoral approach with a novel use of the Weerda laryngoscope. Although its applicability to specific cases depends on the location, size and nature of the tumor, we believe that the Weerda laryngoscope will continue to be useful for performing transoral surgery for cervical tumors.</p

A case of soft palate schwannoma that developed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) caused by tumors in the upper airway is a relatively rare entity. In this report, we present a soft palate schwannoma causing latent OSAS. Schwannoma in the soft palate itself is rare and, to our best knowledge, has never been reported to cause OSAS. Although the OSAS improved after surgery, it had been severe without the patient noticing it. We should consider the possibility of latent OSAS in patients with tumors in the upper airway. In addition, we also should consider the possibility of a latent tumor in the upper airway in OSAS patients. Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, Schwannoma, Soft palate tumo