Recurrent laryngeal cancer presenting as delayed hypoparathyroidism.
BACKGROUND
Endocrine dysfunction following therapy for head and neck cancer has been previously described. Permanent hypoparathyroidism may result from the tumor, surgery, or radiation therapy. However, the incidence and significance of delayed hypoparathyroidism following treatment for laryngeal cancer remains unclear.


RESULTS
We report a patient who had stable serum calcium measurements on serial testing following concurrent chemoradiation and salvage laryngectomy for locally advanced laryngeal cancer. The patient subsequently presented 32 months following salvage laryngectomy with new onset, symptomatic hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism. Subsequent evaluation revealed local recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this case represents the first report of delayed hypoparathyroidism as the presenting manifestation of recurrence following treatment for laryngeal cancer. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed.
Hsu
Amy K
AK
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
Tabaee
Abtin
A
Kraus
Dennis H
DH
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000209:etiology; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000209:etiology*; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors