Adult-onset laryngeal lymphangioma excision using KTP laser

Abstract

Background: Lymphangioma is a benign but locally aggressive tumor that most commonly presents in childhood, often developing in the head and neck and rarely in the larynx. We present a rare Case of an adult with isolated laryngeal lymphangioma managed with potassium titanium phosphate (KTP) laser excision. Case description: A 40-year-old male was evaluated for tracheostomy after extubation failure in the setting of cardiogenic shock. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing revealed a vascular-appearing glottic mass extending directly from the false vocal fold. Excision of the mass was performed using KTP laser with concomitant intraoperative decannulation. He has been monitored post-operatively with no signs of disease recurrence. Conclusions: Isolated laryngeal lymphangioma is extremely rare in adults. Historically, management has been aggressive, with early surgical resection with wide margins. This case report demonstrates an optimal treatment response to more conservative management using KTP laser, which was well suited for the mass given its vascularity and its location on the false vocal fold. Postoperative monitoring is crucial for patients with lymphangioma, given high risk of recurrence. Follow up with laryngoscopy has affirmed full recovery for this patient without any signs of recurrent or residual disease.

Keywords

• Lymphangioma
• KTP laser
• Laryngeal masses