[Laryngeal schwannomas]

Abstract

Laryngeal schwannoma is a rare benign tumour of the larynx. Schwannomas derive from the Schwann cells. The majority occurs in supraglottic area and may arise at any age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best imaging tool for suggesting the diagnosis in the appropriate clinical context. Conservative surgery is the treatment of choice. These tumors have to be distinguished from neurofibromas. We report 2 cases of laryngeal schwannoma. The first one concerned an 8-month-old baby with a laryngeal stridor history which seemed to be related to laryngomalacia. The second case was a 22-year-old man with a 5-year history of dysphonia. On nasofibroscopic examination, a sub mucosal mass enlarged the posterior part of the right false vocal cord in both cases. Both CT scan and MRI sequences showed a well margined lesion in the same place. Histological biopsies identified a schwannoma. External surgeries were subsequently and successfully performed. Diagnosis (imaging), specific treatment (endoscopic or external surgery), and possible association of laryngeal schwannomas are discussed.