Giant Teflon granuloma of the larynx

Abstract

Endolaryngeal injection of Teflon paste to augment and medialize the paralyzed hemilarynx aims to improve dysphonia and relieve aspiration. After an initial short-lived inflammatory reaction in the laryngeal tissues, a foreign body granuloma forms around the Teflon. In most cases the results are good but it may occasionally be necessary to consider removal of the granuloma if too large a volume has been injected, if it is inappropriately placed, or if the paralyzed vocal cord subsequently recovers. Surgical removal is difficult and the results are unpredictable. This case illustrates, for the first time, that evaluation using both a high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scan and endoscopy with telescopes permits satisfactory assessment before removal of Teflon.