An incidental finding

This was an incidental finding in the pharynx 
WHAT IS THE DIAGNOSIS?

■ Papilloma

Too large probably

■ Retention cyst

Absolutely right!

■ Small SCC

Smooth, round and without dilated IPCL's !?!

explanation

This is a 'Pharyngeal retention cyst'. It was an incidental finding and the patient had no symptoms relating to this.  These are the most common benign lesions in the pharynx, usually arising behind the epiglottis  (the area is called the valleculae) or more to the side as here.  The cysts are thought to result from dilatation of mucus glands secondary to retained secretions and chronic inflammation. They are usually incidental findings although larger cysts (>1 cm) may cause dysphagia, coughing or dysphonia. Complications include ulceration and secondary infections.