Nasal septal teratoma in a child.
BACKGROUND
Teratoma is a rare developmental neoplasm that arises from totipotential tumor stem cells. Head and neck teratomas constitute about 10% of all cases. Only two cases of mature teratoma of the nasal septum have previously been documented in the world literature.


METHODS
We present a case of histologically confirmed mature teratoma arising from the nasal septum in an eighteen month old Nigerian female who presented with a history of noisy breathing associated with recurrent rhinorrhea since birth. Physical examination revealed obstruction of the right nasal cavity by a pale fleshy mass. She underwent a total surgical excision and to date, after thirty one months follow-up, she is free from recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
The prognosis for benign teratoma of the nasal septum is good following total surgical excision.
Ibekwe
Titus S
TS
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria. ibekwets@yahoo.com
Kokong
Daniel D
DD
Ngwu
Bethrand A
BA
Akinyemi
Oluwole A
OA
Nwaorgu
Onyekwere G
OG
Akang
Effiong E
EE
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009300:Nasal Septum; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013724:Teratoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery