Hidden in Plain Sight: A Vallecular Cyst Case Report

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Published: Jul 31, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.4.45
Keywords:
Vallecular, Cyst, Newborn, Marsupialisation, Stridor

Main Article Content

Xian Ming Woo
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hospital Shah Alam, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Kuganathan Ramasamy
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hospital Shah Alam, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Siti Nurfarhana Binti Mohd Arif
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hospital Shah Alam, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Vallecular cysts, although rare, can cause stridor and respiratory distress in neonate. In severe cases, large vallecular cysts may even lead to life-threatening airway obstruction. Herein, we report a case involving a neonate with stridor in which the diagnosis was confirmed via flexible laryngoscopy, revealing the presence of a vallecular cyst. Post-endoscopic marsupialisation, the patient was asymptomatic and thrived well. This case report highlights the importance of considering vallecular cyst as a differential diagnosis in newborns presenting with stridor and respiratory distress at birth. It underscores that early diagnosis and timely intervention result in favourable clinical outcomes, with complete symptom resolution following endoscopic marsupialisation and a low recurrence rate of 0.02%.

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How to Cite
Woo, X. M., Ramasamy, K., & Binti Mohd Arif, S. N. (2025). Hidden in Plain Sight: A Vallecular Cyst Case Report. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21(4), 384–386. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.4.45
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 4 (2025)
Section
Case Report
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