Korean Journal of Family Medicine  2014;35(3):160-166

doi:10.4082/kjfm.2014.35.3.160

Epiglottic Cyst Incidentally Discovered During Screening Endoscopy: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Seung Hwa LEE 1 ; Duck Joo LEE ; Kwang Min KIM ; Kyu Nam KIM ; Sang Wook SEO ; Young Kyu PARK ; Sung Min CHO ; Young Ah CHOI ; Jung Un LEE ; Dong Ryul LEE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Epiglottic Cyst; Endoscopy; Potential of Airway Obstruction

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

From the endoscopists' point of view, although the main focus of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination is the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (usually bulb and 2nd portion including ampulla of Vater), the portions of the upper airway may also be observed during insertion and withdrawal of the endoscope, such as pharynx and larynx. Thus, a variety of pathologic lesions of the upper airway can be encountered during upper endoscopy. Among these lesions, an epiglottic cyst is relatively uncommon. The cyst has no malignant potential and mostly remains asymptomatic in adults. However, if large enough, epiglottic cysts can compromise the airway and can be potentially life-threatening when an emergency endotracheal intubation is needed. Thus, patients may benefit from early detection and treatment of these relatively asymptomatic lesions. In this report, we present a case of epiglottic cyst in an asymptomatic adult incidentally found by family physician during screening endoscopy, which was successfully removed without complication, using a laryngoscopic carbon dioxide laser.