Tongue Teratoma vs. Tongue Lymphangioma

Left picture: The final histological diagnosis is a teratoma of the tongue. The mass must be removed not only because of the respiratory embarrassment, but also because of the possibility of a malignant degeneration; at first sight, the mass might also be a goitre of tongue base; therefore, a scintiscan of the thyreoid gland should be performed at first. Right picture: This infant has a lymphangioma of the floor of the oral cavity with a component of hemangioma, which may lead to dangerous respiratory signs following an acute hemorrhage or an acute lymph congestion. Depending on the initial size, an RDS is already present in the neonate, or respiratory signs develop later in infancy, as in this patient.

In the 2 patients the RDS or thoracic emergency is caused by an obstruction of the upper airways. Left picture: The RDS in this newborn is caused by a mass at the base of the tongue, also hindering feeding on account of respiratory failure and lack of space. Right picture: The tongue of this infant is elevated by a bluish mass; therefore, both respiration and feeding are hindered.