Invasion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve by adenoid cystic carcinoma. An unusual cause of true vocal fold paralysis

Abstract

True vocal fold paralysis and goitre are both common problems encountered in ENT practice. Their co-existence, however, should arouse suspicion of the presence of malignant thyroid disease. A rare case of true vocal fold paralysis caused by a clinically occult subglottic adenoid cystic carcinoma, in a 72-year-old, is described. The existence of multinodular goitre in this patient was co-incidental and confounded the diagnostic process.