ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neonatal oral cavity masses present complex diagnostic and management challenges, often involving respiratory distress. We present a case of a 1-day-old male neonate with an oral cavity mass and respiratory distress, whose antenatal scan revealed polyhydramnios and a nasopalatine cyst. CASE REPORT: Clinical examination revealed a 5 * 5 cm cystic swelling arising from the right hard palate. CT scans confirmed an intraoral cystic lesion with a complete cleft palate and excluded oropharyngeal/neck extension. Aspiration of cystic fluid facilitated surgical excision, leading to a histopathological diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma. Primary closure of the soft palate defect was performed. Histopathological examination revealed it to be mature cystic teratoma. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the intricate interplay between antenatal imaging, clinical assessment, and surgical intervention in managing neonatal oral cavity masses. The successful excision and histopathological confirmation of a mature cystic teratoma highlights the significance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. The complexities surrounding neonatal oral cavity masses necessitate a comprehensive approach to optimize patient outcomes.
