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Epignathus

Add more content and include citations. All of the headings are properly formatted but there needs to be more information about the subject. Some images or graphics of the condition would also be useful. It would be good information for families with patients who have this condition; however, in terms of diagnostics, I think since it is such a rare disease, providers would need to refer to case studies.

Pathology:

Teratomas originate from pluripotent stem cells, with the oropharynx (epignathus) region being the second most common location for head and neck teratomas. The tumour arises from the palato-pharyngeal region around the basisphenoid. Case reports about patients with epignathus have reported common malformations of cleft palate, and bifid tongue and/or nose. The tumor can grow with the oral cavity and protrude out of the mouth, causing obstruction of the airway and therefore mortality. This lesion may be associated with polyhydramnios, as it prevents the fetus from swallowing the amniotic fluid. The tumour may spread into the cranial cavity and destroy the brain. Most neonates and young children who present with epignathus have exhibited benign tumors, in comparison to older children and adults who have presented with more malignant teratomas.

Prognosis:

Prognosis of epignthaus is dependent on multiple factors including but not limited to size, location, and rate of development of the teratoma. In addition, polyhydramnios must also be considered as it suggests the extent of airway obstruction and growth of the teratoma. This condition has a very poor prognosis with a mortality of 80–100% in the neonatal period. Very few long term survivors have been reported so the prognosis past the neonatal period is unclear.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118061/#ref2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303755/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5324461/