Coblator-assisted excision of a large vallecular cyst in an adult: a case report

Vaishali Agarwal; Huidrom Anand Singh; Mishal Fathima; Amol Anandrao Patil

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20253815

Authors

Vaishali Agarwal Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. B. Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Huidrom Anand Singh Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. B. Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Mishal Fathima Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. B. Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Amol Anandrao Patil Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. B. Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20253815

Keywords:

Vallecular cyst, Co-ablator, Base of tongue cyst, Adult dysphagia, Laryngoscopy, Epiglottic cyst

Abstract

Vallecular cysts are rare, mucus-retention cysts located at the base of the tongue or lingual surface of the epiglottis. While often asymptomatic in adults, large cysts may lead to dysphagia and voice changes. Authors report a case of a 30-year-old male who presented with progressive dysphagia and voice change. Flexible laryngoscopy and contrast-enhanced CT revealed a large vallecular cyst extending from the base of the tongue to the epiglottis. The cyst was excised completely using a co-ablator in an atraumatic manner. The procedure was uneventful, and the patient was discharged the following day. Vallecular cysts in adults may present with vague symptoms. Co-ablator-assisted excision offers a safe, effective, and minimally traumatic method for complete cyst removal with good outcomes.

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