Radiologists wierd incidentaloma
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Tornwaldt (Thornwaldt Cysts) are benign developmental lesions in the nasopharynx. Peak incidence is 15 to 30 years of age. Develop secondary to anomalous embryogenesis of the cephalic end of the notochord. Initially, the notochord descends into the nasopharynx. Subsequently it ascends into the skull base when adherence develops between the notochord and the overlying ectoderm. A small portion of the nasopharyngeal mucosa is sometimes covered along with the notochord as it ascends. This results in a cyst lined with nasopharyngeal mucosa between the longus coli muscles. The cyst fluid is highly proteinaceous. The cysts are usually asymptomatic and are coincidental findings. Occasionally, these are associated with halitosis, persistent nasal discharge and a bad taste. When infected they can cause a retropharyngeal abscess.
