Elongated styloid removed from patient's neck in Ras Al Khaimah

Dr Myung-Whun Sung, CEO of the hospital.

Shaikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah has removed an elongated styloid process, also termed as "Eagle syndrome", from a 35-year-old UAE national patient, who was suffering from unilateral sore throat and severe neck pain for more than three years.

Dr Myung-Whun Sung, CEO of the hospital, said it took one hour to remove about four centimeters of elongated styloid and left tonsils. "This uncommon condition happens due to a styloid ligament in the internal part of the neck."

The elongated styloid process does not usually cause any serious problems but in some uncommon cases when its more than three centimeters long it can cause irritation in the wall of the pharynx and damage the tissues around the neck.

"The patient underwent several medical checkups in various hospitals in the UAE but was given a wrong diagnosis of mostly common sore throat."

The patient was then referred to Shaikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital where he underwent physical and touch examination, he added.

"The CT scan confirmed the correct diagnosis of Eagle syndrome that was causing unilateral sore throat, severe facial and neck pain."

Unfortunately a lot of patients and doctors do not realize that Eagle syndrome could be the exact source of sore throat and neck pains, Dr Sung pointed out.

"I also encourage patients not to neglect common cold symptoms or one-sided throat discomfort when they last for more than three weeks or do not happen due to viral or bacterial infections.

The surgery was conducted successfully and the patient left the hospital after three days when his condition became stable, he elaborated. "He currently does not suffer from any discomfort or complications."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah