Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive Case with Squamous Cell Larynx Cancer: Difficulties in the Choice of Treatment

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is rarely encountered in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive patients compared with HIV-associated malignancies. Standard protocols are absent for the management of laryngeal carcinoma in HIV-positive patients. HIV infection- associated immune suppression increases the mortality and morbidity of laryngeal carcinoma treatment. In the management of laryngeal carcinoma in HIV-positive patients, beside the clinical staging, the detection of CD4+ cell count is important. Regular antiretroviral treatment may have favorable effects in the management of laryngeal carcinoma. The treatment modality in the presented HIV-positive case with the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer was determined with a multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords

• laryngeal cancer
• hiv
• treatment
• retrovirus
• immunodeficiency