Congenital teratoma of the tongue: a case report and review of the literature

Teratomas of the head and neck are rare. They develop in neonates and are associated with feeding difficulty, airway obstruction, and difficulty in swallowing (which may cause polyhydramnios). Although some tumors consist of immature elements, teratomas of the head and neck are mature in nature, and excision is the most effective treatment. We present a case report of a neonate with a polypoid mass protruding from his mouth. He exhibited respiratory arrest immediately after birth and underwent intubation. The mass, which was completely excised, was histologically identified as a mature teratoma.