Laryngeal Schwannoma: A Rare Entity

Of all schwannomas, 24-45% arise from the head and neck area. Laryngeal schwannoma is an uncommon site. We report a case of a 34-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with worsening sudden onset inspiratory stridor. On direct laryngoscopy, he was noted to have a laryngeal mass, which caused a ball-and-valve effect on the laryngeal inlet, resulting in airway compromise. He was subsequently intubated and admitted to the intensive therapy unit. He underwent endoscopic removal of a bulky submucosal swelling in the supraglottic region using coblation. The post-operative histopathological assessment confirmed features of laryngeal schwannoma. A six-month post-operative follow-up showed no signs of recurrence. Due to the rarity of this condition, the evidence for the most efficient management of these cases is still not clear. Diagnosis is by histology assessment, although clinical evaluation should raise suspicion. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment with a good overall prognosis. In current literature, the technique of surgical excision varies with different outcomes. We report a case that was managed with micro-laryngoscopy and coblation with good effect.