Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a prelaryngeal, air-filled structure (pseudolaryngocoele).
OBJECTIVE
We report a unique case of a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx presenting as a large pseudolaryngocoele, arising through a thyroid cartilage defect.


METHODS
Case report and review of the literature.


METHODS
A 47-year-old man presented with a two-month history of hoarseness and a large, midline neck swelling. Endoscopic examination revealed a transglottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure. Fine needle aspiration of the neck mass showed it to be an air-filled structure which transiently collapsed but refilled within minutes. Subsequent computed tomography scanning and histopathological examination revealed that the air-filled mass was created by a defect in the thyroid cartilage, with formation of a pseudolaryngocoele.


CONCLUSIONS
The anatomy of the anterior commissure region and its effect on the spread of laryngeal carcinoma is reviewed in order to explain the pathophysiology of this unusual presentation. We highlight the need for a high index of suspicion of malignancy if a laryngocoele or pseudolaryngocoele is detected clinically.
Korampalli
T S
TS
Otolaryngology Department, Fairfield Hospital, Bury, UK. drkorampallisrinu@yahoo.co.in
Belloso
A
A
Hans
P S
PS
Irion
K
K
Sheppard
I J
IJ
D000388:Air; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000254:growth & development; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome