Chemodectoma (paraganglioma) of the larynx

Two cases of chemodectoma of the larynx, 1 benign and 1 malignant, are reported. Initially both tumours caused diagnostic problems but the diagnosis could be confirmed by silver staining and electron microscopy. So far only 25 cases of laryngeal chemodectoma have been reported in the literature. Clinically, the diagnosis should be considered when a persistent, smooth, non-inflammatory intralaryngeal swelling, particularly with a reddish-blue colour, is encountered. A final histological diagnosis can only be made with additional histochemical techniques and electron microscopy.