Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the larynx.
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, composed of myofibroblastic spindle cells with acute and chronic inflammatory cells, is an unusual, benign solid mass that mimics a neoplastic process.


METHODS
We report a rare case of a patient with a laryngeal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Laryngoscopy demonstrated a submucosal mass involving the right false cord. The mass was a well-enhanced supraglottic lesion on CT scan. It showed medially high signal intensity and peripherally low signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images, and it displayed a high magnetization transfer ratio; before surgery, it was believed to be a malignant tumor. Laryngoscopic biopsy was performed. Pathologic features of the specimen were diagnostic for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.


RESULTS
Steroid therapy was chosen for further treatment. No recurrence was observed for 4 years.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with chronic hoarseness who have a malignant-looking submucosal laryngeal mass, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor should be considered. Conservative surgery and steroid treatment are advocated because of laryngeal preservation.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Korea University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Sang-il
SI
Suh
Hae Young
HY
Seol
Jean Hwa
JH
Lee
Young Hen
YH
Lee
Taik-Kun
TK
Kim
Nam Joon
NJ
Lee
Jeong-Soo
JS
Woo
In Sun
IS
Kim
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006104:Granuloma, Plasma Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones