Laryngeal Paraganglioma with Chronic Cough: A Case Report

Abstract

Laryngeal paragangliomas are rare lesions originating from paraganglion cells within the supraglottis or subglottis. As per the latest review, only 76 such cases have been reported in the literature. Symptoms typically include dysphonia or dysphagia. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first known case of laryngeal paraganglioma with chronic cough as the primary complaint. A 77-year-old male presented with chronic cough. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed a supraglottic submucosal mass emanating from the region of the right false vocal cord and aryepiglottic fold. Postcontrast computed tomography scan showed a well-defined intensely enhancing mass arising from the right paraglottic space and bulging into the right pyriform sinus. Biopsies and immunohistochemical markers supported the diagnosis of paraganglioma. A complete submucosal excision of the mass via a right transcervical approach with tracheostomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient’s cough resolved. Laryngeal paragangliomas are rare tumors that are known to present with dysphonia or dysphagia. This is the first case report of a patient presenting with chronic cough as the primary complaint.

Keywords

• larynx
• paraganglioma
• cough
• diagnosis
• surgery