Laryngeal carcinoma--or is it laryngeal blastomycosis

A patient is described who was evaluated for persistent hoarseness. Although an initial diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx was made, review of the pathology slides revealed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, acanthosis, and what appeared to be a fungal infection. After a detailed work-up was initiated the patient was treated successfully with ketoconazole for a blastomycosis infection of the larynx. The literature relative to blastomycosis infections of the respiratory larynx is reviewed. The authors emphasize that patients who show evidence of acanthosis and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia along with the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma should be suspected as having a potential fungal infection.