Laryngeal oncocytic cystadenoma mimicking a combined laryngomucocele

BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Oct 29;13(10):e236866. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-236866.

Abstract

Laryngeal oncocytic cystadenomas are rare benign tumours lined by oncocytic epithelium and arising from the salivary glands; they usually present as a supraglottic mass. Oncocytic changes are very uncommon in the larynx and occur mainly in ventricles and false vocal cords, where seromucinous glands predominate. The authors present the case of a 62-year-old woman who reported a 6-month history of hoarseness associated with a soft and non-compressible upper left side neck swelling. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a left submucosal supraglottic mass involving the false vocal fold and the vallecula, partially obstructing the airway. CT scan showed a homogeneous isodense cystic lesion centred at the left laryngeal ventricle, with extension through the thyrohyoid membrane. The patient was successfully managed by a lateral thyrotomy approach. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed a papillary oncocytic cystadenoma and excluded malignancy. There was no evidence of recurrence after 9 months of follow-up.

Keywords: ear; nose and throat/otolaryngology; otolaryngology / ENT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cystadenoma / diagnosis*
  • Cystadenoma / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Larynx / diagnostic imaging*
  • Larynx / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucocele / diagnosis*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed