Laryngeal Schwannoma, Alarming Mass of Airway: A Case Report

Laryngeal schwannomas are rare tumors of neural sheath origin. They normally present as a slow-growing, encapsulated, submucosal mass commonly in the supraglottic region. We describe a 13-year-old boy presenting with a 4-month history of progressive worsening dysphagia. Fiber optic laryngoscopy and computed tomography revealed a polypoidal mass in the laryngeal surface of epiglottis abutting left the aryepiglottic fold, base of the tongue and hypopharyngeal wall. Direct laryngoscopic evaluation and microdebrider assisted debulking was performed with tracheostomy. Schwannoma was confirmed by histopathological study. In a regular follow-up after two months, 70 degree endoscopic evaluation revealed similar mass in the left aryepiglottic fold obscuring the vocal cord. Definite complete excision of the tumor was planned and endoscopic excision of the mass was performed with removal of ipsilateral aryepiglottic fold, arytenoid and false vocal cord with retracheotomy. Rapid occurrence of mass after debulking and biopsy was demonstrated in this case. Though rare, neurogenic tumors of the larynx are life-threatening and need complete removal.