[Localized amyloidosis of the larynx]

Localized laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare laryngeal disease which accounts for less than 1% of all benign laryngeal tumors. The symptoms depend on where the amyloid deposit is located in the larynx. When the vocal cords are involved there may be some hoarseness; pain or increasing difficulty in inspiration may arise when, respectively, the aryepiglottic fold or subglottic space are involved. The present paper reports a case of laryngeal amyloidosis without any sign of systemic disease. It also deals with the principle diagnostic procedures to follow. After a review of the literature, emphasis is placed on how important it is to recognize laryngeal amyloidosis in order to achieve an appropriate diagnosis and plan therapy properly. Surgery is the main treatment using either endoscopy or an external neck approach. Recently CO2 laser surgery has been used successfully. Prognosis depends on both the size of the amyloid deposit and whether there is some simultaneous overall involvement.