Isolated laryngeal lymphangioma: a rare cause of airway obstruction in infants

Abstract

Laryngeal lymphangiomas are uncommon and virtually always represent extension of cervical disease. The exceptionally rare lymphangioma that remains isolated to the larynx has been reported only twice prior to this case. A six-month male infant presented with an undiagnosed mass in the supraglottis which had caused respiratory compromise requiring a tracheostomy. The diagnosis was made histologically and the treatment was begun. Therapy consisted of staged laser resections carried out cautiously to preserve laryngeal competence. After three laser treatments the lesion was controlled and the patient prepared for decannulation. This interesting case is presented with a review of the literature.