Laryngeal Cyst in Children : A Retrospective Analysis
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Updated: Jul 18, 2025

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Published on: March 18, 2020
Sanjay Rao1, M M Zameer1, Vinay C1
1Narayana Health City, 258/A, Bommasandra Industrial Area Hosur Road, 560099 Bangalore, Karnataka India.
Insights
Pediatric laryngeal cysts, a rare cause of stridor, are best diagnosed with microlaryngoscopy (MLB). Endoscopic cyst excision or deroofing is a safe and effective treatment for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Airway Disorders
Background:
- Laryngeal cysts are uncommon congenital anomalies in children.
- They can lead to significant respiratory distress and stridor.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes of laryngeal cysts in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study was conducted on pediatric patients with laryngeal cysts.
- Data were collected from April 2015 to January 2022.
- Microlaryngoscopy (MLB) was the primary diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
Main Results:
- Eight children (5 female) aged 3 days to 10 years were included.
- All presented with stridor; two required tracheostomy due to severe respiratory distress.
- Subglottic and vallecular cysts were identified, with endoscopic excision or deroofing being the predominant treatment.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal cysts are a rare but important cause of stridor in children.
- Microlaryngoscopy (MLB) is the gold standard for diagnosis.
- Endoscopic management of laryngeal cysts is safe and effective in the pediatric population.
Abstract:
Aim: To study the presentation, management and outcome of laryngeal cysts in children. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective observational study of children with Laryngeal cysts who were managed in the Department of Paediatric Surgery between April 2015 to Jan 2022. Observations and Results: Eight children with laryngeal cysts were included, 5 were girls. Age ranged from 3 days to 10 years (median 5 months). Weight ranged from 3kg to 40kg (median 6.3 kg). All presented with stridor. Three children had co-morbid conditions, one each with Leucocyte adhesion deficiency type -1, atrial septal defect & PHACES syndrome. Two children had severe respiratory distress and required tracheostomy at presentation. All children underwent MLB. The cysts were 2 subglottic cysts (one inflammatory cyst) and 6 vallecular cyst. Five underwent endoscopic excision of cysts, 1 underwent excision with lateral cervical approach, 1 underwent endoscopic de-roofing of cyst and airway reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage graft (associated Sub glottis stenosis). Conclusion: Laryngeal cysts are a rare cause of stridor in children. MLB is the best diagnostic tool. Treatment with excision / deroofing of the cyst endoscopically, is safe and effective in paediatric age group.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03495-w.

