Primary Laryngeal Amyloidosis: A Discussion of 10 Cases with a Review of the Literature

Abstract

Primary laryngeal amyloidosis is rare, accounting for 0.2 to 1.2 % of its benign tumors. However, it is the most common site in the upper aerodigestive tract for isolated primary amyloidosis. The most common symptom is hoarseness of voice, and depending on the extent of involvement, it may present with varying degrees of breathlessness. Diagnosis requires accurate histopathology using special staining by Congo red stain which demonstrates the typical apple-green birefringence when seen under polarized light. Diagnosis is often missed in the absence of special stains. Treatment requires as complete an excision as possible preferably with a laser. Periodic follow-ups are needed for the detection of recurrences. We present a series of 10 patients with primary laryngeal amyloidosis attending the voice clinic from March 2011 to February 2018, with a discussion of their management and a review of literature.