Management of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal plexiform neurofibroma in adults

Dave, Sandeep P.; Farooq, Uzma; Civantos, Francisco J.

doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2006.06.021

« Previous Next »American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 29, Issue 4 , Pages 279-283, July 2008

Management of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal plexiform neurofibroma in adults

Accepted for presentation at the American Laryngological Association Annual Meeting, on May 19 to 20, 2006.

Sandeep P. Dave, MD
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Jackson Memorial Medical Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Uzma Farooq, MD
- Department of Pathology, Jackson Memorial Medical Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Francisco J. Civantos, MD
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Jackson Memorial Medical Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Corresponding author. Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Tel.: +1 305 243 5276; fax: +1 305 243 1283.

Received 21 April 2006; accepted 26 June 2006.

Abstract

Laryngeal neurofibromas are rare. The plexiform subtype is less common and often presents during childhood in association with neurofibromatosis type I. Because it is unencapsulated and more aggressive, plexiform neurofibroma presents a management dilemma. Imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, can aid in diagnosing neurofibroma, differentiating the nonplexiform and plexiform subtypes, and planning the subsequent operative approach. The importance of conservative surgery to relieve symptoms, but preserve laryngopharyngeal function, and close follow-up are stressed. We report 2 adult cases of plexiform neurofibroma involving the larynx and hypopharynx and discuss the controversies in management.