Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour mimicking bilateral vocal process granuloma

A case is presented of a 36-year-old Chinese woman with a renal transplant for end-stage renal failure due to Goodpasture's syndrome. She presented with a year's history of throat discomfort and acid regurgitation into her throat. Videolaryngoscopy revealed bilateral vocal process granuloma, presumed to be due to gastroesophageal reflux. A four-week course of high dose omeprazole was prescribed. On follow up a month later, the granulomas had enlarged, and laser excision was undertaken. Histological and immunohistochemical staining was consistent with Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour. This is believed to be the first reported case in the English literature of such a tumour affecting the vocal process. The aim of this paper is to present the pathogenesis, clinical behaviour and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour, and to review the literature concerning the differential diagnosis of polypoid vocal process lesions.