Subglottic laryngeal paraganglioma.

Abstract

To review the clinical and pathological picture of laryngeal paragangliomas and compare laryngeal paragangliomas with the three other types of laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms. The study presents a case review of a patient with a subglottic laryngeal paraganglioma treated at our institution, with a literature review of the laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms. Included is a review of all four neuroendocrine neoplasms, taking a close look at a comparison between laryngeal paragangliomas and atypical carcinoids tumors. All cases of subglottic laryngeal paragangliomas reported in the literature were also compiled and tabulated. The patient's record was reviewed for age, symptomatology, workup, and surgical procedures performed. The patient was disease free 36 months after undergoing a tracheostomy for airway control, followed by a cricoid split for complete excision of the tumor. It is important to differentiate among the four laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms, especially between atypical carcinoids and paragangliomas. Each tumor requires different treatments, with the former requiring a more aggressive approach. Paragangliomas must be completely excised to prevent their recurrence, and this approach should be considered a curative treatment. In addition, the immunohistochemical battery is of paramount importance in obtaining the correct pathological diagnosis.