EPIDERMOID CYST OF VALLECULA

INTRODUCTION-Vallecular cyst or pre epiglottic cyst is a rare but recognised cause of respiratory distress in infancy. It has been associated with sudden airway obstruction resulting in death. But the occurence of cyst in adults is extremely uncommon. Vallecular cyst consists of unilocular cystic mass of variable size arising from the lingual surface of epiglottis and containing clear non infected fluid. Above all epidermoid cyst is very rarely seen in vallecula. Mucuos membrane of hypopharynx contains submucosal mucous and serous glands which commonly becomes obstructed and produce small cyst between base of tongue and epiglottis. Rarely vallecular cysts become large enough to displace the epiglottis downwards towards the larynx with hoarseness, shortness of breath or dysphagia. CASE REPORT-A 52 year old male patient, presented with complaints of difficulty in swallowing and voice change for one month duration. Indirect laryngoscopy examination was done which revealed a medium sized cystic swelling in the left side of the vallecula which was extending onto the lingual surface of epiglottis. Similar swelling of smaller size was visualised in the right vallecula as well. Endoscopic excision of both cysts was done. Histopathology was reported as epidermoid cyst0 .CONCLUSION- Vallecular cyst by itself is a rare entity among which epidermoid cyst accounts for less than 0.01 of all the cysts in the vallecula. Laryngeal cysts are very uncommon in adults. The case report has been made for its rarity of occurrence.