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

• Published in: International journal of surgery case reports 2024, Vol.115, p.109281-109281
• Main Authors: Zineb, El Krimi, Badr, Saoutarrih, Loubna, Douimi, Walid, Bijou, Mohamed, Mahtar
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2210-2612; 2210-2612
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109281

INTRODUCTIONHamartoma 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 PRESENTATIONThe 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.CONCLUSIONHamartomas 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.