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Congenital duplication of the larynx

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 June 2014

A I Simpson*
Affiliation:
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, UK
A Khanna
Affiliation:
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, UK
A Stanton
Affiliation:
Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr A I Simpson, 3 Harescombe Court, Penn Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2PY, United Kingdom E-mail: ashley.simpson@nhs.net

Abstract

Introduction:

The larynx is an intricate structure serving three important functions in humans: it protects the lower respiratory airway, facilitates respiration and helps produce sound through a key role in phonation.

Objective:

We report the first published finding of congenital duplication of the larynx in a patient with previously cleared squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and a new diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Case report:

We describe the incidental finding of duplication of the larynx in a 62-year-old man with previously completely cleared squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, who presented with worsening dyspnoea. We also provide a brief overview of other published cases in which duplication of the vocal folds and epiglottis has been reported.

Results:

Our patient experienced no symptoms related to this incidental finding of congenital duplication of the larynx.

Conclusion:

The first case of congenital duplication of the larynx is currently of academic interest only; however, the possible association with squamous cell carcinoma is postulated to raise awareness in clinicians who may observe further cases in the future.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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References

1Frank, DI, Malev, M. Double vocal cord. Arch Otolaryngol 1939;29:713–15CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2Wittig, FJ, Hickey, SA, Kumar, M. Double epiglottis in Weyer's acrofacial dysostosis. J Laryngol Otol 1998;112:976–8CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed