Article
The malignant potential of laryngopyocele
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Published: | June 20, 2013 |
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Outline
Abstract
Introduction: Laryngocele is an abnormal cystic dilatation of the laryngeal saccule. It is uncommon and may occur in up to 5% of all benign laryngeal lesions. Laryngoceles may extend internally into the airway or externally through the thyrohyoid membrane and in rare cases may be bilateral. There is a rare, but well documented, association of laryngocele with laryngeal carcinoma, usually with supraglottic loation.
Aim: We present a case of a 49-year-old man, referred to our clinc for laryngopyocele, with transcutaneous prelaryngeal fistula, formed after incision of a large prelaryngeal abscess.
Results: The laryngoscopy showed substantial edema of the right vestibular fold with no evident tumor. The vestibular fold was excised by CO2 LASER and sent for histological study. The result was squamous cell carcinoma. There was prelaryngeal tumor spread but no metastases were found. The patient underwent total laryngectomy.
Conclusion: In cases with laryngocele a coexisting tumor must always be considered. In some cases the first symptom may be a deep neck infection. CT scan, careful laryngoscopy and early histology sampling may give the clue to the diagnosis.
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