Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
Acute respiratory distress in patient with laryngeal schwannoma
Laura Mannarini1, Patrizia Morbini, Giulia Bertino
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
Abstract:
Schwannoma is a neurogenic benign tumour arising from the proliferation of Schwann cells present in the peripheral nerve sheath of myelinated nerves. This proliferation can hypothetically appear in every anatomic region of the human body, but the nerve sheath tumors rarely occur within the larynx. In this paper the authors discuss the case of a 74-year-old female who presented to Emergency Unit (EU) for an important acute respiratory distress. Airway flexible endoscopy revealed a bulky mass of the aryepiglottic fold measuring 3.5 cm in diameter. The patient underwent tracheotomy and a single-step surgical excision treatment of the mass which was recognized as a schwannoma at pathological examination. Tracheotomy was closed 2 weeks postoperatively. After 18 months of followup, the patient is alive and free of disease and her voice had improved markedly.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
