Laryngeal paraganglioma: cues from a case

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that uncommonly involve the larynx, and still represent a diagnostic challenge. Laryngeal paragangliomas are reported to derive from non-neuronal cells of the superior laryngeal nerve or of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and are usually not functionally active; however, can become clinically evident causing airway obstruction, hoarseness and/or swallowing difficulty. A rare case of laryngeal paraganglioma of the aryepiglottic fold diagnosed accidentally, and then successfully removed surgically by microlaryngoscopic excision, is presented. Definitive diagnosis was only possible by histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry; surgery is reported to be the treatment of choice for these tumors