Abstract
BackgroundGiant cell tumors (GCTs) are typically found in the metaphyseal-epiphyseal area of long bones but can also occur in the head and neck region. GCT of the larynx is a rare entity with only 42 reported cases in the international literature. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge this is the largest laryngeal GCT reported in the literature to date. GCT of the larynx can present with dysphonia, dyspnea, and/or dysphagia and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a neck mass.Case presentationThis case report describes a giant cell tumor of the left thyroid cartilage in a 30-year-old man who initially presented with dysphonia and dysphagia. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 5 × 5.7 cm mass centered on the left thyroid cartilage, which was further diagnosed by histopathology as giant cell tumour by open biopsy. The patient was counselled on treatment options and it was decided to proceed with a surgical approach. The patient consented to and successfully underwent a total laryngectomy (TL). Currently the patient has no evidence of disease at 13 months follow-up, has an optimal prosthetic voice, and is able to tolerate all textures of foods.ConclusionGCTs of the larynx have a good prognosis and can be treated successfully through complete resection of the tumor, negating the need for adjunctive therapy such as radiation, chemo or denosumab therapy.
Highlights
Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are typically found in the metaphyseal-epiphyseal area of long bones but can occur in the head and neck region
We will comment on various treatment modalities that have been undertaken for treating laryngeal GCT’s along with their outcomes
In terms of communication he states he “doesn’t have any problems” and has been doing “very well from a psychological standpoint”. He was connected with an existing laryngectomy patient for peer support prior to surgery, Fig. 4 Papanicolaou staining in high power showing tight groups of spindle and epithelioid cells wrapped around prominent vessels
Summary
GCT of the cartilaginous structure of the larynx is a rare entity. To the best of our knowledge, there have only been 42 reported cases in the international literature, including Wessely’s first documented case in 1940 [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33]. With the extreme size of the tumor and significant pharyngeal invasion, it was postulated that a partial laryngectomy in this particular case, would result in a high degree of remaining laryngeal dysfunction He currently works two jobs, the first being an assistant manager at a convenience store and second as an office clerk. In terms of communication he states he “doesn’t have any problems” and has been doing “very well from a psychological standpoint” He was connected with an existing laryngectomy patient for peer support prior to surgery, Fig. 4 Papanicolaou staining in high power showing tight groups of spindle and epithelioid cells wrapped around prominent vessels.
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