Angiofibroma of the larynx: report of a case with clinical and pathologic literature review.
BACKGROUND
Angiofibromas are uncommon vascular tumors with a strong predilection for the nasopharynx of adolescent males. Although they are slow growing and histologically benign, they have the potential to cause significant morbidity with laryngeal involvement.


METHODS
We describe the clinical characteristics, histopathologic findings, differential diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, and management of a case of laryngeal angiofibroma.


RESULTS
The patient was initially seen with a 2 1/2-year history of progressive dyspnea and dysphagia. Preoperative evaluation suggested a vascular mass involving the left supraglottic larynx. A partial laryngopharyngectomy was performed without complication. The patient is alive and disease free 3 years postoperatively. Final histopathologic diagnosis is consistent with angiofibroma.


CONCLUSIONS
Laryngeal angiofibroma is an extremely rare entity. Adequate preoperative imaging is necessary to confirm the vascularity of this lesion, because ill-planned biopsy may lead to significant blood loss. The role of preoperative embolization of other laryngeal vascular lesions has been well documented and may be useful in the management of laryngeal angiofibroma.
Department of Otolaryngology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 533 Bolivar Street, Fifth Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112. msteel@lsuhsc.edu
Matthew H
MH
Steele
Daniel W
DW
Nuss
Barry F
BF
Faust
D018322:Angiofibroma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012119:Respiration; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology; D016683:Supine Position / Q000502:physiology; D014833:Voice Quality / Q000502:physiology; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology