Hamartoma of the soft palate: Case report and review of literature

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Feb:115:109281. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109281. Epub 2024 Jan 20.

Abstract

Introduction: Hamartoma is a tumor-like malformation that represents a focal proliferation of normal cells. Hamartoma of the soft palate is a rare entity, which can lead to serious, life-threatening clinical manifestations, given its anatomical location. However, if properly treated surgically, their prognosis is excellent.

Case presentation: The literature reports very few similar cases. So, we report a case of hamartoma of the soft palate, which presented as a sessile velar outgrowth arising on the midline of a 12-day-old newborn. The final diagnosis was based on histopathology. The patient was treated surgically and had excellent evolution. Clinical Discussion. Clinical examination shows hamartomas of the palate to be polyploid lesions, with a firm surface. A CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are indicated to establish the extent of the tumor. The diagnosis of certainty is determined by a histopathological examination. The only treatment is surgery, generally via the transoral approach. Prognosis is excellent.

Conclusion: Hamartomas of the palate are diagnosed histologically, with imaging being of great help in assessing extension, and their therapeutic management is exclusively surgical. The prognosis after successful surgery is practically always good, with no recurrence.

Keywords: Case report; Congenital deformity; Diagnosis; Hamartoma; Soft palate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports