Description
The specimen is a larynx that has been hemisected in the sagittal plane. There is a large infiltrative
tumour mass originating in the region of the vestibular and vocal folds and extending anteriorly to
infiltrate the soft tissues surrounding the thyroid cartilage. Immediately underlying the tumour
there is a recent tracheostomy site, this contains necrotic debris in its wall.
History
The patient, a 60-year-old male, presented with a three month history of progressive
vocal hoarseness. Carcinoma of the larynx was diagnosed and he underwent a course of
radiotherapy. He re-presented a year later with further hoarseness and on examination was found
to have an abscess in the anterior part of his neck immediately underlying the thyroid cartilage.
This rapidly increased in size necessitating emergency tracheostomy. He then underwent
laryngectomy and a further course of radiotherapy. Tumour recurred in the vicinity of the
permanent tracheostomy some six months later.