Management of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal plexiform neurofibroma in adults.
Laryngeal neurofibromas are rare. The plexiform subtype is less common and often presents during childhood in association with neurofibromatosis type I. Because it is unencapsulated and more aggressive, plexiform neurofibroma presents a management dilemma. Imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, can aid in diagnosing neurofibroma, differentiating the nonplexiform and plexiform subtypes, and planning the subsequent operative approach. The importance of conservative surgery to relieve symptoms, but preserve laryngopharyngeal function, and close follow-up are stressed. We report 2 adult cases of plexiform neurofibroma involving the larynx and hypopharynx and discuss the controversies in management.
Dave
Sandeep P
SP
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jackson Memorial Medical Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Farooq
Uzma
U
Civantos
Francisco J
FJ
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018318:Neurofibroma, Plexiform / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*