title: A case of subglottic tumour presenting with type 2 respiratory failure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although type 2 respiratory failure is a plausible late presentation for laryngeal tumours, very little published literature is available to support this theory.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper describes the unusual presentation of a subglottic tumour with uncompensated type 2 respiratory failure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient was initially managed with biphasic positive airway pressure as a bridging measure while awaiting intensive care treatment and to provide sufficient time to arrange a surgical tracheostomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion towards subglottic tumours in patients presenting with type 2 respiratory failure. The positive outcome indicates that biphasic positive airway pressure is a potential bridging therapy for upper airway obstruction and a safe and stable treatment option for patients in respiratory distress.
authors: Department of ENT,Southmead Hospital,Westbury-on-Trym,Bristol,UK.
authors: F M
authors: FM
authors: Egro
authors: Department of Respiratory Medicine,Southmead Hospital,Westbury-on-Trym,Bristol,UK.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Sharma
authors: Department of ENT,Southmead Hospital,Westbury-on-Trym,Bristol,UK.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Baldwin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D037981:Neck Dissection; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D014139:Tracheostomy
keywords: Bilevel Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Respiratory Insufficiency