[Pharyngeal fibrovascular polyp]

Abstract

The giant fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx is a rare and benign tumor. We report one case in a 46-year-old man. This lesion, usually unique, affects predominantly men with an average age of 53 years. These polyps are located predominantly in the upper esophagus and rarely in the hypopharynx. They are usually asymptomatic and small, detected by endoscopy. They can grow to considerable length and cause digestive or respiratory symptoms. Histologically, fibrovascular polyps consist of a various mixture of fibrous and lipomatous elements with abundant vascularisation and they are covered by normal squamous epithelium. The lack of muscular support and the pressure difference in the peristaltic wave contribute to polyp formation.