Laryngeal schwannoma with extralaryngeal extension

Abstract

Schwannomas of the larynx are rare. Furthermore, a laryngeal schwannoma extending to the neck region is extremely rare. The present case report describes a 37-year-old male patient with a history of hoarseness and cervical swelling on the left side for over 10 years. He presented with dyspnea on exertion. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a large submucosal mass in the left false and true vocal folds, and the left vocal fold was immobile. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of multiple tumors throughout the body, in addition to extension of the laryngeal tumor to the left neck region in a dumbbell shape. After analysis of the results of examinations including imaging tests and pathological examinations, a diagnosis of schwannomatosis was made. A tracheostomy was performed, along with resection of the laryngeal tumor. Following disarticulation of the cricothyroid joint and rotate ion of the thyroid cartilage, the intralaryngeal part of the tumor was smoothly removed without median or lateral thyrotomy. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient's vocal fold mobility was found to have recovered. Although uncommon, our procedure was very effective for the treatment of laryngeal schwannomas. By this approach, safe removal of the tumor was possible, without any injury to the laryngeal mucosa.