Laryngeal granular cell tumors in children: A literature review

Abstract

Objective: Granular cell tumors of the larynx are exceedingly rare in the pediatric population. The purpose of this review is to further characterize features of these tumors and trends in their management.

Methods: A search of the PubMed, Ovid Medline and Cochrane Collaboration databases was undertaken using the terms: pediatric, child, laryngeal, larynx, granular cell tumor, granular cell myoblastoma, benign mass.

Results: A total of 38 children with laryngeal granular cell tumor were identified. Their ages ranged from 4 to 16 years. The most common presenting symptom was dysphonia. Five patients were previously treated for asthma. Within the laryngeal subsites, 49% presented with subglottic tumors, while 43% were found at the level of the glottis. Subglottic tumors were found anteriorly 42% of the time and posteriorly 53% of the time. Multifocal disease was present in four patients. Around half of patients were treated by cold steel excision and/or CO₂ laser, 31% through laryngofissure, and two required laryngectomy. There were four documented cases of recurrence ranging from 4 months to 3 years after treatment.

Conclusions: Laryngeal granular cell tumor during childhood occurs most commonly in the subglottis. Posterior laryngeal tumors were more frequent than anterior tumors. Patients should be carefully evaluated for multifocal disease. Long-term surveillance for recurrence is recommended.

Keywords: Granular cell myoblastoma; Granular cell tumor; Larynx; Pediatric; Subglottis; Vocal cord.