A case report: Primary malignant melanoma of the glottic larynx – A very rare entity

Abstract

Background: Primary mucosal melanoma of the larynx is an extremely rare entity. Our case represents the seventeenth case reported to date globally, and the first Canadian case to be reported. Case presentation: We present the case of a 70-year-old male who was referred for hoarseness and found to have a T3N0M0 glottic mucosal melanoma involving the left true vocal cord. The laryngeal tumour was resected via a transoral laser microsurgery approach with a CO2 laser, wherein an extended partial laryngectomy with negative margins was achieved. There were no regional or distant metastases. Mucosal melanoma is a rare, but an aggressive malignancy as it is generally discovered at an advanced stage. Herein we present our diagnostic, treatment, and post-operative follow-up approaches. Conclusion: Owing to the rarity of mucosal melanoma, especially of the larynx, we believe additional reported cases to the literature will contribute to better understanding of this malignancy and improve treatment strategies.

Keywords

• Glottic larynx
• Mucosal melanoma
• Transoral laser microsurgery