A Concerning Uvula Abnormality

Abstract

A 21-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented to our clinic with “something hanging” from her uvula. She had noticed it a few months prior to presentation when she felt a tickling sensation at the back of her throat. At presentation, she said it now felt like it grew, because it was causing her to gag at times when swallowing. She denied any pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, snoring, bleeding, or any changes in her voice. She is concerned because she believes her uvula is now connected to her tongue and is worried it may be cancerous. On physical examination, her vital signs were stable with 100% oxygen saturation on room air. Results of a head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat examination were normal except for the uvula abnormality. An oropharynx examination revealed a thin strand of tissue connecting the tip of her uvula to the base of her tongue (Figure). No cervical lymphadenopathy was noted, and the rest of her examination was unremarkable. Based on the patient’s history and physical examination, which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?