Dyspnea and Dysphagia as First Sign of Hypopharyngoesophageal Lipoma

Abstract

We present a rare case of a 72-years old male with a big lesion coming out from his mouth suddenly. Examination showed a mucosal lesion seen outside of the mouth, saliva running outside, he was not able to swallow, it was hard to speak and breathe for him. At the time of arrival the patient was stable, later developed a distress and dyspnoe because of the part of tumor inside of his mouth was moving in and out on breathing and was obstructing his airway. This situation required an urgent tracheostomy to secure the patient’s airway. After tracheostomy we continued with endaural approach technique to remove the tumor, the origin of lesion was identified within the postcricoid area. Lesion was removed safely, sent to histology with no complication after. Results came back as a lipoma pedunculated. Literature search did not reveal any cases of limb lipoma presenting with a sudden hanging tumor causing airway compromise and dysphagia, all cases were diagnosed during routine examination. Our case has proven that hypopharyngoesophageal lipoma can present as an acute condition and we have to be able to save and manage patients like this.