Schwannomas of the larynx: Review and computed tomographic scan analysis

Abstract

Neurogenic tumors consist of schwannomas, neurofibromas, and neurosarcomas that arise from the Schwann cell of a peripheral nerve. Their occurrence in the larynx is rare, with only 115 cases having been reported. Three new cases are presented, the literature is reviewed, and the first computed tomographic (CT) scan of a benign schwannoma of the larynx is demonstrated. The diagnosis and treatment of these tumors and the CT scan analysis are discussed.

Schwanoma de laringe: relato de caso

“…Têm sido descritos em praticamente todas as faixas etárias e com discreta preponderância no sexo feminino 10 . Schwanomas malignos são ainda mais raros, principalmente na laringe, sendo o primeiro caso relatado em 1982 7 .…”

“…O aspecto macroscópico é de um tumor de superfície regular, lisa, de coloração rósea e com forma arredondada ou ovalada; freqüentemente séssil, podendo assumir aspecto polipóide. A tomografia computadorizada é bastante útil em determinar as dimensões da massa tumoral e sua extensão 10 . O diagnóstico histológico é baseado no padrão celular observado na microscopia óptica.…”

“…Esta última tem como vantagem uma baixa incidência de complicações na laringe, sendo melhor indicada para tumores menores. Nos tumores maiores, opta-se por abordagem externa (faringotomia lateral ou laringofissura) 10,13 . A abordagem terapêutica deve ser planejada de acordo com o sítio, extensão e apresentação da lesão 4 .…”

Emergency embolization after resection of a laryngeal Schwannoma

“…However, after removal of the tumor, the patient exhibited massive and persistent effects. The treatment of choice is surgical resection and access can be intraoral, by direct laryngoscopy, or via an external approach (lateral pharyngotomy or laryngofissure) 8,9 , depending on the tumor's anatomic characteristics. The transoral approach is associated with a lower incidence of recurrent paralysis of the laryngeal nerve during the postoperative period, but complete resection of the tumor can prove difficult using this approach 4 .…”

Subglottic nerve sheath tumor in a pediatric patient: Case report and literature review

“…The vast majority of reported laryngeal nerve sheath tumors are supraglottic, with the aryepiglottic fold and false vocal cord being the most common sites. 7 Our case report of a subglottic nerve sheath tumor in a pediatric patient is the third to appear in the world literature. 8,9 Carbon dioxide laser with jet ventilation technique was used to resect the tumor.…”