Laryngectomy-Sparing Radio Frequency Ablation for Laryngeal Metastasis in Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Recurrence rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) due to laryngeal metastasis is rare, radio frequency ablation (RFA) shows efficacy in management of recurrent PTC. This case is important due to its rarity and limited evidence on using RFA for recurrent PTC with laryngeal metastasis, focusing on larynx preservation and voice maintenance.

CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old woman with recurrent PTC experienced shortness of breath, hoarseness, and painful swallowing. Imaging revealed two masses affecting her vocal cords and severe airway narrowing. After declining a laryngectomy, she underwent RFA and temporary tracheostomy. Follow-up showed successful treatment, with no residual mass, and her voice improved.

CONCLUSION

This case shows a successful performance of RFA in a patient with recurrent and invasive PTC with laryngeal involvement who refused laryngectomy. It seems that combining RFA with radioactive iodine and external beam radiation can be considered in patients with recurrent PTC with laryngeal metastasis to maintain voice.