A case report of giant inflammatory mass in the hypopharynx.
Fengjin Chu, Demin Li, Yuhui Ren et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 26-year-old female with a traumatic brainstem injury developed a hypopharyngeal mass after 21 days of intubation and over 2 months of nasogastric tube placement. She presented with dysphagia and mild hoarseness. Imaging revealed a 32 mm x 27 mm mass, and biopsy indicated inflammatory necrosis. Surgical resection was performed, confirming an inflammatory mass. The patient recovered well, with no recurrence at 4 months follow-up.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the development of a giant inflammatory mass in the hypopharynx following prolonged tube placement, which is an atypical association.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider inflammatory masses in the differential diagnosis of hypopharyngeal masses, especially in patients with a history of prolonged tube placement.
Why it matters
Recognizing the potential for inflammatory masses in this context can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management in similar cases.