Amyloid tumor of the larynx. Case report with electron microscope study

Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To delineate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis with particular attention to laryngeal amyloidosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of patients with amyloidosis of Thomas Jefferson University and its affiliated hospitals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The charts of 16 patients with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis identified from the databases of the Thomas Jefferson University pathology department were reviewed and included in the study.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (9 male and 7 female, with an average age of 49.8 years) with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis were identified. The most common site of amyloid involvement was the larynx. Consequently, patients most commonly presented with hoarseness (14 of 16). All patients underwent surgical removal of the amyloid deposits. Fourteen patients had primary localized amyloidosis. Two experienced systemic involvement. Seven of the 16 patients developed recurrences requiring further treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract generally behaves as a benign, localized condition treatable by surgical resection. Regular follow-up with laryngoscopy is indicated for early diagnosis of recurrence, and multiple surgical procedures may be required to control symptoms.

Laryngeal amyloidosis

Laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare disease. Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment either endoscopically or by an external neck approach. In more recent years, surgery with the carbon dioxide laser has been advocated for this condition. Four cases of laryngeal amyloidosis are presented. The application and the advantages of the carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of laryngeal amyloidosis are discussed.