1
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mashhad, Iran
Background: A vallecular epidermoid cyst is a rare condition that may cause a variety of symptoms such as dysphagia, hoarseness, cough, or even airway obstruction. We recently managed a case of a large vallecular epidermoid cyst with difficult intubation, which is reported here. Case presentation: A middle-aged male patient with no prior comorbidities presented with a history of hot potato speech and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed a large cyst with a normal mucosal surface in the vallecular space.The large size of the mass posed a significant challenge to endotracheal intubation. To gain full access to the cyst during induction, retrograde intubation was performed. Transoral removal of the cyst is not possible, which leads to open resection by a transhyoid approach. Conclusion: Vallecular epidermoid cysts can present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Although rare, large lesions may pose a significant challenge to endotracheal intubation and may require an alternative surgical approach when endoscopic excision is not feasible.
Rasoulian, B., Alizadeh Noghani, A. & Khodadadi, F. (2026). Huge Vallecular Epidermoid Cyst Caused a Difficult Intubation Situation: A Case Report . TANAFFOS (Respiration), 25(1), 102–105. https://doi.org/10.22034/rspr.2026.25.1.1238
MLA
Rasoulian, B., Alizadeh Noghani, A., & Khodadadi, F. "Huge Vallecular Epidermoid Cyst Caused a Difficult Intubation Situation: A Case Report ", TANAFFOS (Respiration), 25, 1, 2026, 102–105. doi: 10.22034/rspr.2026.25.1.1238
HARVARD
Rasoulian, B., Alizadeh Noghani, A., & Khodadadi, F. (2026). 'Huge Vallecular Epidermoid Cyst Caused a Difficult Intubation Situation: A Case Report ', TANAFFOS (Respiration), 25(1), pp. 102–105. doi: 10.22034/rspr.2026.25.1.1238
CHICAGO
Rasoulian, B., Alizadeh Noghani, A. & Khodadadi, F., "Huge Vallecular Epidermoid Cyst Caused a Difficult Intubation Situation: A Case Report ." TANAFFOS (Respiration), 25 1 (2026): 102–105, doi: 10.22034/rspr.2026.25.1.1238
VANCOUVER
Rasoulian B., Alizadeh Noghani A., Khodadadi F. Huge Vallecular Epidermoid Cyst Caused a Difficult Intubation Situation: A Case Report . TANAFFOS (Respiration). 2026;25(1):102–105. doi: 10.22034/rspr.2026.25.1.1238
