Neonatal airway obstruction secondary to nasopharyngeal teratoma.

Neoplasms of the nasopharynx are rare in neonates and infants. The most common nasopharyngeal tumors encountered in this age group are teratomata--neoplasms containing multiple heterotopic tissues. Of the four basic histologic types, dermoids are most frequently seen. An unusual case of a true teratoma in a premature infant with severe upper airway obstruction is presented. An extensive review of the world literature confirms the rarity of this lesion.