ABSTRACT
The pathology of non-squamous carcinoma of the larynx is broad and there is a wide differential diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms for laryngeal malignancies, both squamous and non-squamous, are hoarseness and dyspnea. Presentation with persistent or worsening symptoms and a submucosal lesion should raise suspicion for a non-squamous malignancy of the larynx. Accurate histology determines the most appropriate treatment and has an impact on prognosis.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Neoplasms , Larynx , Humans , Laryngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Laryngeal Neoplasms/therapy , Laryngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Larynx/pathology , Hoarseness/diagnosis , Hoarseness/etiology , Prognosis , Diagnosis, DifferentialABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Giant fibrovascular polyps (GFVPs) found in the hypopharynx are exceedingly rare. These are benign tumors which are identified by CT or MRI and usually treated based on symptoms. Even more rarely, pathology may identify one of these masses as an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT). This paper will present a case of an ALT of the hypopharynx that was originally classified as a GFVP, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing between them and the importance of making the correct diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 84-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 6-month history of a pedunculated hypopharyngeal growth, dysphagia, and intermittent dyspnea. DIAGNOSES: The mass was characterized as a GFVP by barium swallow and MRI. INTERVENTIONS: The hypopharyngeal mass was resected for obstructive symptoms and to confirm the diagnosis. Final pathology found the mass to be more consistent with an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT). OUTCOMES: The patient's dysphagia and dyspnea resolved. He was free of recurrence at 22 months postoperative. LESSONS: Both GFVPs and ALTs are very rarely found in the hypopharynx but can be easily misclassified as one another. Imaging is useful to initially characterize the mass, but to definitively differentiate between them, pathological analysis is necessary. Although they are rare, it is important to consider both possibilities on the differential for hypopharyngeal masses. Further, accurate analysis is essential to distinguish between them because their definitive management and follow-up is different.
Subject(s)
Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Lipoma/pathology , Polyps/pathology , Aged, 80 and over , Deglutition Disorders/etiology , Diagnosis, Differential , Dyspnea/etiology , Humans , Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/classification , Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/complications , Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/surgery , Lipoma/classification , Lipoma/complications , Lipoma/surgery , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , MaleABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Gustatory otorrhea can lead to cutaneous changes, recurrent infection, and social disruption. We present a case of a late, evolving sialocutaneous fistula to the external auditory canal, managed surgically after failing conservative therapies. This case is unique by late evolution, whereby the symptoms presented with significance 27 years after her operation and 19 years after mild symptoms initially arose. PATIENT CONCERNS: Gustatory, left-sided clear otorrhea with acutely increased volume over 8 months causing social disruption. DIAGNOSES: Sialocutaneous fistula to the external auditory canal. INTERVENTIONS: Superficial parotidectomy and temporoparietal flap for closure of fistula. OUTCOMES: No postoperative complications and resolution of gustatory otorrhea at one-year follow-up. LESSONS: This rare, but important, postoperative complication can present late with evolving symptoms, causing significant social disruption. It can be treated with conservative medical management and several surgical approaches.
