Huge antrochoanal polyp: A rare pediatric emergency

Antrochoanal polyps usually arise from the maxillary sinus mucosa and extend to the choana and nasopharynx as they grow larger. The clinical presentations of antrochoanal polyps can be unilateral nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, or nasal mass. In 1998, we encountered a 9-year-old boy who had been experiencing a productive cough, dysphagia, dysphonia, and progressive dyspnea for several months. Physical examinations and computed tomography scans revealed an antrochoanal mass arising from the right ostiomeatal complex area, and extending via the choana down to the lower portion of the base of the tongue. After a successful transnasal endoscopic surgery, the patient recovered well and the above symptoms subsided dramatically. In conclusion, detailed physical examinations and imaging study are critically important for a pediatric airway emergency.