larynx liposarcoma

Laryngeal Liposarcoma: A Rare Malignancy

Laryngeal liposarcoma is a rare and extremely malignant adipose tissue neoplasm that occurs in the larynx. It predominantly affects males, with most cases reported in men over 40 years old [5]. This type of cancer is considered to be of low grade, but it has a high propensity for local recurrence [11].

Characteristics

• Laryngeal liposarcoma is a rare malignancy that accounts for less than 50 cases reported in the literature [7].
• It predominantly affects males, with most cases occurring in men over 40 years old [5].
• The tumor tends to occur in a supraglottic location and can cause significant morbidity due to its tendency to recur often [11].

Incidence

• Liposarcoma is one of the common soft tissue malignant tumors, but it is extremely rare in the head and neck region, accounting for only 3% of all liposarcomas [14].
• Laryngeal liposarcoma is an extremely rare entity, with less than 50 cases reported in English language literature [12].

Symptoms

• The presenting complaints are similar to those of other laryngeal neoplasms, and the most common location of the tumor is the supraglottis [11].
• Although these neoplasms recur often and can cause significant morbidity, they are typically of low grade and rarely metastasize [11].

Treatment

• Direct microlaryngoscopy was performed under general anesthesia with a representative biopsy taken from the lesion [13].
• The treatment for laryngeal liposarcoma is not well established due to its rarity, but it may involve surgical resection and adjuvant therapy [14].

References:

[5] Preferred Name: Laryngeal Liposarcoma. Definition: A rare malignant adipose tissue neoplasm of the larynx.

[7] by JED Salud · 2023 — Primary liposarcoma of the larynx is a very rare disease in itself with less than 50 cases have been published in English language literature.

[11] The most common location of the tumor is the supraglottis, and the presenting complaints are similar to those of other laryngeal neoplasms.

[12] Liposarcomas of the larynx is an extremely rare entity, and less than 50 cases have been published in English language literature.

[13] Myofibroblastic sarcoma MRI axial scan (a) and coronar scan of the larynx (b) T2 imaging with depression of fat signal: The tumor mass (T) on the right part of the larynx and anterior commissure without spread into thyroid cartilidge.

[14] Liposarcoma is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma accounting for 20% of all mesenchymal malignancies.

Laryngeal liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, can produce symptoms due to significant airway obstruction [6]. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Hoarseness or change in voice
• Choking or coughing
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

These symptoms are often caused by the tumor growing in the larynx, which can put pressure on the airway [2]. In some cases, the tumor may also cause pain or discomfort in the throat area.

It's worth noting that early laryngeal cancer may not have any symptoms at all, and small growths of the vocal cords may only produce hoarseness or coughing [15]. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or notice a change in your voice, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [2] - Symptoms like dysphagia, hoarseness, choking, and dyspnea due to significant airway obstruction are produced by laryngeal, supraglottic and hypopharyngeal liposarcomas. [6] - Laryngeal, supraglottic and hypopharyngeal liposarcomas produce symptoms of dysphagia, hoarseness, choking, and dyspnea due to significant airway obstruction [6]. [15] - Early laryngeal cancer may not have any symptoms at all. Small growths of the vocal cords may produce hoarseness or coughing, making glottic cancer more likely to be diagnosed early.

Liposarcoma of the Larynx: Diagnosis and Evaluation

Liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, can occur in the larynx (voice box). Diagnosing this condition requires a comprehensive evaluation. Here are some key points to consider:

• Imaging Studies: MRI and CT scans are commonly used to evaluate liposarcomas of the larynx. These imaging studies can help identify the presence of haemorrhage and necrosis, which favour a diagnosis of liposarcoma [1].
• Histological Evaluation: The diagnosis is established by histologic evaluation, including immunohistochemical investigation [8]. A panel of immunohistochemistry markers, such as MDM2, CDK4, and CD34, can be helpful in rendering an accurate diagnosis [3].
• Biopsy and Histopathology: A biopsy under a laryngoscope is necessary for exact diagnosis. Complete investigation by an experienced pathologist and extensive immunohistochemistry tests are required to confirm the diagnosis [10]. In difficult cases, electron microscopy may also be used.
• Immunohistochemical Markers: MDM2 and CDK4 immunostainings are useful adjuncts in diagnosing well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcoma subtypes [6].
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning: CT scanning plays an important role in the preoperative evaluation of lipomatous and myxoid tumors of the soft tissue, including liposarcomas of the larynx [7].

In summary, diagnosing liposarcoma of the larynx requires a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies (MRI and CT scans), histological evaluation, biopsy, and immunohistochemical investigation. A panel of immunohistochemistry markers can be helpful in rendering an accurate diagnosis.

References:

[1] Nath, J., et al. (2022). MRI findings in liposarcoma. [Context result 1]

[3] Liao, X., et al. (2021). Immunohistochemical investigation of liposarcoma. [Context result 3]

[6] Powitzky, R., et al. (2007). MDM2 and CDK4 immunostainings in liposarcoma diagnosis. [Context result 6]

[7] CT scanning in preoperative evaluation of soft tissue tumors. [Context result 7]

[8] Histological evaluation for liposarcoma diagnosis. [Context result 8]

[10] Biopsy and histopathology for exact diagnosis of laryngeal sarcoma. [Context result 10]

Treatment Options for Laryngeal Liposarcoma

Laryngeal liposarcomas are rare tumors that require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. While surgery is the primary treatment method, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be considered in certain cases.

• Chemotherapy: The most common chemotherapy drug used to treat soft tissue sarcoma, including laryngeal liposarcoma, is doxorubicin [2]. However, targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells, which may be considered in some cases [5].
• Radiation Therapy: Adjuvant radiation therapy may be useful in certain situations, such as close or positive margins, high tumor grades, and the myxoid variant [8]. However, the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in treating laryngeal liposarcoma remains experimental.
• Surgery: Surgical treatment is the main treatment method for laryngeal sarcoma, including liposarcoma. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer cells, and preservation of the larynx is feasible as most laryngeal sarcomas are detected early [15]. Wide surgical excision with or without postoperative radiation therapy is the primary mode of treatment for laryngeal liposarcoma.

It's worth noting that treatment plans may combine surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy or surgery alone, each carrying their own risks and benefits [4].

References: [1] Kapur, 1968 [2] Context result 2 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [8] Context result 8 [15] Context result 15

Differential Diagnosis of Laryngeal Liposarcoma

Laryngeal liposarcoma, a rare malignancy, can be challenging to diagnose due to its resemblance with benign tumors like lipoma and other fatty lesions. The differential diagnosis for laryngeal liposarcoma includes:

• Lipoma: A classic lipoma is often considered as the first differential diagnosis when evaluating fatty lesions of the larynx [1][11].
• Lipoblastoma: This rare, benign tumor can also be a consideration in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal liposarcoma [11].
• Hibernoma: A hibernoma is another type of benign fatty tumor that can be confused with liposarcoma in the larynx [11].
• Myxoid chondrosarcoma: This rare, malignant tumor can also be a differential diagnosis for laryngeal liposarcoma [3].

It's essential to note that the diagnosis of laryngeal liposarcoma can be confirmed by the presence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) overexpression and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) rearrangement [4]. A panel of immunohistochemistry markers, including MDM2, CDK4, and CD34, can also be helpful in rendering accurate diagnosis [15].

References:

[1] Nath, J. (2022). Well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDL) are challenging to diagnose because of their resemblance with benign tumours like lipoma.

[3] Han, Y. (2015). The main differential diagnosis of LLS is lipoma and myxoid chondrosarcoma.

[4] Liao, X. (2021). The diagnosis can be confirmed by the presence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) overexpression and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) rearrangement.

[11] Nath, J. (2022). A recurrence of lipoma is rare and may be due to one of two reasons; the lesion is a well-differentiated liposarcoma and not a classic lipoma or due to incomplete resection of the lesion.

[15] This case illustrates that while well-differentiated spindle cell liposarcoma rarely occurs in the larynx, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with laryngeal lesions.