Spindle cell carcinoma of the larynx arising from aggressive fibromatosis

Summary

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare, benign proliferative disease with unknown aetiology and high recurrence rate. To date, there are only eight reported cases affecting the larynx. Four were managed with total laryngectomy, whilst spontaneous regression happened in one case. Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare but highly aggressive biphasic tumour which often arises in the head and neck. Diagnosed with laryngeal fibromatosis more than 10 years ago, our patient had undergone six trans-oral laser debulking procedures. On this occasion, he presented with a two-week history of severe worsening dyspnoea and hoarseness of voice, requiring urgent debulking. Final pathology results revealed spindle cell carcinoma of the larynx. In this report, we describe the case of laryngeal fibromatosis which progressed to spindle cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, no such case has been described previously. This case highlights an important complication of laryngeal fibromatosis and emphasises the importance of regular follow-ups.