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Laryngeal thrush: Merf experience
Mohan Kameswaran1, R S Anand Kumar, Kiran Natarajan
1Madras ENT Research Foundation, No 15, P.S. Sivasamy Salai Mylapore, 600004 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Fungal infection of the larynx is a relatively uncommon condition. The lesions max be confined to the vocal folds or may involve various other sites in the larynx. There is, invariably, a risk factor that predisposes to fungal infection viz. immune deficiency, inhaled or systemic steroids, antibiotic usage, etc. These lesions may mimic malignancy or a premalignant condition. There have been very few cases of laryngeal thrush reported in the literature. Awareness of this entity is essential because the management depends on an accurate diagnosis. These lesions invariably respond to a course of oral antifungal therapy and correction of risk factors. We report 3 cases of laryngeal thrush.
Insights
Laryngeal thrush, a rare fungal infection, can mimic cancer. Prompt diagnosis and oral antifungal treatment, alongside addressing risk factors like immune deficiency, are key for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal infection of the larynx is uncommon, with lesions potentially affecting vocal folds or other laryngeal sites.
- Risk factors include immune deficiency, steroid use, and antibiotic therapy, which predispose individuals to fungal infections.
- Laryngeal fungal lesions can present symptomatically, mimicking malignancy or premalignant conditions, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the rarity and diagnostic challenges of laryngeal thrush.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective management.
- To report three cases of laryngeal thrush.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting three instances of laryngeal thrush.
- Review of clinical presentation, risk factors, and diagnostic findings.
- Evaluation of treatment response to oral antifungal therapy.
Main Results:
- Three cases of laryngeal thrush were identified.
- Patients presented with lesions that could be mistaken for neoplastic or premalignant conditions.
- All reported cases showed positive response to oral antifungal treatment and risk factor modification.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal thrush is an uncommon but significant condition.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as lesions often mimic malignancy.
- Effective management involves oral antifungal therapy and addressing predisposing risk factors.
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