Pleomorphic adenoma of the epiglottis: report of a case

Benign Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Larynx: Report of a Case and Review and Analysis of 20 Additional Cases in the Literature

Among the benign pleomorphic adenomas of the minor salivary glands, those that develop in the larynx are very rare. One such case of benign pleomorphic adenoma of the larynx in an adult female is described. The patient was treated with epiglottectomy with a lateral pharyngotomy approach. Review of the literature showed an additional 20 well-described cases of benign pleomorphic adenoma of the larynx. These patients usually present with hoarseness, dyspnea or dysphagia, or any combination of these depending on the site of origin and the size of the tumor. Occasionally the tumor may be discovered incidentally. The tumor can occur in any part of the larynx with the epiglottis being the most common site. Clinically they are indistinguishable from other benign laryngeal neoplasms, as surface mucosal lining remains intact. Histopathological examination is used to make the definitive diagnosis, but rarely, misinterpretation may occur. Conservative surgery provides a lasting cure.

A case of pleomorphic adenoma of the epiglottis. Bilateral vocal-cord paralysis after YAG laser surgery

Pleomorphic adenoma of the larynx is a rare disorder, and until recently has been treated mainly by approaches involving pharyngotomy. We encountered a case of pleomorphic adenoma originating from the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and removed it using a YAG laser through a suspension laryngoscope. This case was complicated by delayed-onset bilateral vocal-cord paralysis, the causes of which are also discussed.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the larynx

Tumors arising from minor salivary glands are extremely rare neoplasms in the larynx. Of the few reports of pleomorphic adenomas in this site, most have subglottic locations while only one case has involved the true vocal cord and seven cases have had supraglottic locations. We present a case of benign mixed tumor located in the posterior commissure which, to our knowledge, is the first reported in the world literature.

Carcinoma arising in a pleomorphic adenoma of the epiglottis

Despite the abundance of minor salivary glands within the larynx, pleomorphic adenomas are rarely found. It is therefore not surprising that there are few reports of malignant mixed tumours in this site. We describe a case of carcinoma arising in a pleomorphic adenoma of the epiglottis which, to our knowledge, has not been described previously. The patient underwent a horizontal partial laryngectomy and functional neck dissection and is well one year postoperatively. We feel this represents a suitable approach to treatment for this rare tumour.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the larynx

A case of pleomorphic adenoma of the subglottic larynx in a 69-year-old female with unusual presentation is reported. The origin, histopathology and treatment of pleomorphic adenomas are discussed.