A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis: Hypopharyngeal Leech.

A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology department with acute hemoptysis. In his history, it was understood that he drank natural water 2 days ago. The patient had hemoptysis, which occurred with spitting. The patient had difficulty swallowing and discomfort when swallowing. Endoscopic examination revealed a blackish live foreign object in the hypopharynx with right local posterior hypopharyngeal oozing. Hypopharyngeal leech was suspected and removed immediately using forceps. After the leech was removed, the bleeding stopped immediately and the patient started swallowing and breathing comfortably. Pharyngeal leeches should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with hemoptysis, especially in patients with a history of drinking unfiltered water from sources where aquatic leeches are commonly found.