The association of laryngoceles with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx presenting as a deep neck infection.

OBJECTIVES

We present a case of an external laryngocele with laryngeal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION

A laryngocele is a rare benign lesion of the larynx resulting from an abnormal dilation of the laryngeal saccule filled with air. When the neck of the laryngocele is obstructed, it fills with mucus and is called a laryngopyocele.

RESULTS

There may be a relationship between laryngoceles and squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx. A review of the literature found a reported association between laryngoceles and carcinomas of the larynx of between 4.9 and 54%. In this report, we present a case of an external laryngocele associated with laryngeal carcinoma. Another important point of this case is that a deep neck infection was the first symptom.

CONCLUSION

In the light of the cases presented in the literature, patients with a deep neck infection should undergo CT imaging and patients with laryngoceles must also be examined with direct laryngoscopy.