Retropharyngeal Lipoma Identified on Pre-Oral Appliance Evaluation

A 61-year-old female was referred for evaluation prior to starting oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. The radiologist identified a large retropharyngeal lipoma, which was likely contributing to the patient's OSA. The radiologist noted that this is a very rare finding, and that if the lipoma continued to grow without detection, further reduction of the airway would occur.