Simultaneous double laryngeal tumours: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Feb 18;14(2):e239797. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239797.

Abstract

Leiomyosarcomas are soft tissue tumours that rarely occur in the larynx. This case report describes the presentation and management of a 77-year-old man referred to the otolaryngology clinic with hoarseness who was found to have a large supraglottic leiomyosarcoma after panendoscopy and biopsies. He subsequently underwent laryngectomy for treatment of this tumour but, unexpectedly, the histological analysis of the laryngectomy specimen revealed a second primary tumour in the larynx-a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The patient had further treatment with neck radiotherapy. Three years after treatment, there are no signs of recurrence of either tumour. This case report discusses the very few similar cases of leiomyosarcoma coexisting with SCC in the larynx, collating the evidence surrounding the treatment of this rare presentation.

Keywords: ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology; head and neck cancer; head and neck surgery; pathology; surgical oncology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Laryngectomy
  • Larynx*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local