Abstract
Laryngeal schwannomas are rare, benign neurogenic tumors. They normally present as a slow-growing, encapsulated, submucosal mass in the supraglottic region. We describe a 20-year-old female presenting with a 2-year history of hoarseness and progressive worsening dyspnea. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and computed tomography revealed a round, low-density submucosal mass at right false cord and arytenoepiglottic regions with glottic extension. Microlaryngoscopic biopsy and debulking for this solid tumor were performed without tracheostomy. Schwannoma was confirmed by histopathological study. However, rapidly worsening stridor occurred 2 weeks after the surgery. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed an exophytic tumor occupying the right hemilarynx with airway compromise. Definite complete excision of the tumor was performed by right vertical hemilaryngectomy. At 5-month follow-up, the laryngeal wound was clear without signs of recurrence. Rapid occurrence of airway obstruction after debulking and biopsy was demonstrated in this case. Vertical hemilaryngectomy was inevitable to cure this potentially life-threatening laryngeal schwannoma in this young female with postoperative serviceable voice.
Highlights
Schwannomas were first described in 1908 by Verocay [1]
Benign neurogenic tumors are rare in the larynx and comprise only about 0.1 to 1.5% of all benign laryngeal tumors [4]
This differentiating characteristic is important from the surgical viewpoint because surgical removal of a tumor from the originating nerve is theoretically possible in schwannomas, but impossible in neurofibromas [4]
Summary
Schwannomas were first described in 1908 by Verocay [1]. They are slow-growing, benign, encapsulated, submucosal tumors derived from the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. Submucosal bulging in the right supraglottic area was found by her ear, nose and throat physician 1 year previously, but the patient did not wish to undergo any treatment. She had never smoked and had no throat symptoms before hoarseness developed. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a round, submucosal bulging at the right false and true vocal folds (Figure 1A). An elastic submucosal tumor with involvement of right false and true vocal folds was found. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a space-occupying tumor in the right hemilarynx with partial airway obstruction (Figure 4).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
