Article
Laryngeal metastases of a malignant melanoma – surgical therapy with first application of mitomycine c
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Published: | August 8, 2007 |
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Malignant melanomas of the larynx are a rarity. In the present study, we shall describe the case of a 67-year-old female patient with a primary cutaneous malignanat melanoma and laryngeal metastases. Approximately 4 weeks after operative removal in the area of the left ventricular fold, a relapse in the local region occurred. As the vocal chord was meanwhile affected by the relapse, the possibility of a chordectomy was first discussed. Considering the limited life expectancy and the desirability of conserving the quality of life, the functioning of the voice was to be spared to the greatest possible degree. For this reason, apart from the removal of the ventricular fold, the free phonation edge was retained, removing only the lateral part of the vocal chord. Intraoperatively, mitomycin C was applied locally for the first time with a malignant melanoma in the larynx in order to prevent any relapse. After the wound healed, the patient showed, apart from a complete stroboscopic glottal occlusion, standard ratings in the acoustic analysis of the voice signal regarding jitter, shimmer, and the Dysphonia Severity Index. A follow-up examination 13 weeks later demonstrated that the patient had remained free of metastases in the laryngeal area, while her voice was still functioning well.