What is external laryngocele?
Laryngocele is an air-filled dilatation of the ventricular sinus of Morgagni. Laryngoceles can be external if they extend beyond the limits of the thyroid cartilage, piercing the thyroid membrane.
Is a laryngocele cancerous?
Laryngocele may sometimes be the source of laryngeal cancers (3). These cancers can be particularly serious due to the deep invasion in the paraglottic space. In 1987, Birt reported that the ventricles in patients operated on for laryngeal cancer were significantly deeper than those with a normal larynx (12).
How is laryngocele treated?
Microlaryngoscopy involving the use of a CO2 laser has become the main therapeutic procedure for the treatment of internal laryngoceles during the past 20 years. An external approach still remains the main therapeutic approach for the treatment of combined laryngoceles.
What causes a laryngocele?
Laryngoceles are uncommon congenital anomalies of the supraglottic larynx. They form as a result of air or fluid filled dilations of the laryngeal ventricle, which communicate with the laryngeal lumen.
Is laryngocele life threatening?
In rare cases, the internal part of the laryngocele may cause rapid and complete airway obstruction with potentially fatal consequences. Although the incidence of internal laryngoceles is relatively rare, physicians should include this condition in the differential diagnosis of upper airway problems.
How is laryngocele diagnosed?
The diagnosis of laryngocele is based on clinical findings, endoscopic examination of the larynx, and imaging studies. Symptoms may vary according to the type of laryngocele. The internal laryngoceles may cause hoarseness, snoring, or even upper airway obstruction.
What is supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma?
Background. Early stage supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) is defined as T1 (tumor limited to one subsite of supraglottis with normal vocal cord mobility) or T2 (tumor invading more than one adjacent subsite of supraglottis or glottis or region outside of supraglottis), with no regional nodal spread [1].
Where is a Laryngocele located?
Laryngoceles are outpouchings of the mucous membrane of a part of the voice box (larynx). Laryngoceles may bulge inward, resulting in hoarseness and airway obstruction, or outward, causing a visible lump in the neck.
What is congenital Laryngocele?
Congenital laryngoceles are defined as cystic dilatation of laryngeal saccules and are an extremely rare cause of newborn respiratory distress. A laryngomucocele occurs when the neck of the laryngocele gets obstructed and fills with the mucoid secretions of the saccule.
Is laryngocele congenital?
A laryngocele is a congenital anomalous air sac communicating with the cavity of the larynx, which may bulge outward on the neck.
What is laryngocele?
A laryngocele is an abnormal dilation of the laryngeal saccule that extends upward within the false vocal fold, is filled with air, and is in communication with the laryngeal lumen [1.
Where is a laryngocele located?
Why does the Laryngocele bulge on the neck?
Laryngocele is a congenital anomalous air sac communicating with the cavity of the larynx, which may bulge outward on the neck. It may also be acquired, seen in glassblowers and trumpet blowers due to continual forced expiration producing increased pressures in the larynx which leads to dilatation of the laryngeal ventricle.
What to do if you have an external Laryngocele?
In the case of an external laryngocele, a mass may be palpated in the neck adjacent to the thyroid cartilage. The interior of the larynx should be examined in the office by indirect flexible laryngoscopy.
Where is the Laryngocele located in the body?
Laryngocele can be confined within the voice box (internal laryngocele) or may extend beyond the larynx into the neck (external laryngocele) through the thyrohyoid membrane. If the communication between the laryngocele and the laryngeal lumen gets occluded, fluid may get accumulated within the sac.
How is the Laryngocele related to the thyroid?
It is a condition in which both internal and external components of Laryngocele exist together. This type extends and dissects superiorly through the thyroid membrane. It is closely connected to the superior laryngeal nerve. It often manifests itself as lateral neck mass.