Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the larynx

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, composed of myofibroblastic spindle cells with acute and chronic inflammatory cells, is an unusual, benign solid mass that mimics a neoplastic process.

Methods: We report a rare case of a patient with a laryngeal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Laryngoscopy demonstrated a submucosal mass involving the right false cord. The mass was a well-enhanced supraglottic lesion on CT scan. It showed medially high signal intensity and peripherally low signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images, and it displayed a high magnetization transfer ratio; before surgery, it was believed to be a malignant tumor. Laryngoscopic biopsy was performed. Pathologic features of the specimen were diagnostic for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Results: Steroid therapy was chosen for further treatment. No recurrence was observed for 4 years.

Conclusion: In patients with chronic hoarseness who have a malignant-looking submucosal laryngeal mass, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor should be considered. Conservative surgery and steroid treatment are advocated because of laryngeal preservation.