Asal K

Lymphatic Metastasis to the Supraretrospinal Recess in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In order to evaluate lymphatic metastasis to the supraretrospinal recess (SRSR) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we separately dissected SRSR lymph nodes and submitted them to pathological examination. Fifty-three lateral neck dissections (LNDs), 2 radical neck dissections (RNDs), and 19 modified RNDs were performed in 49 previously untreated patients with laryngeal SCC. The nodal status of the patients was NO in 29 patients, N1 in 17, and N2 in 3. The neck was pathologically positive in both RNDs (100%), in 7 of 19 modified RNDs (37%), and in 7 of 53 LNDs (13%). No SRSR lymph nodes were positive in any of the dissection materials. No metastasis was found in the SRSR lymph nodes in the N0 necks treated with LND, and none was found even in N1 and N2 necks treated with RND or modified RND. We conclude that the SRSR may be left undissected during treatment of an N.0 neck with LND so that accessory nerve dysfunction can be minimized and operative time can be saved.

Hamartoma of the larynx: an unusual cause of upper airway obstruction

Hamartomas are rare lesions in the larynx. Both clinical and histopathological findings may be misleading to both the physician and the pathologist in terms of diagnosis. A 51-year-old female with the complaints of nonproductive cough and severe dyspnea lasting for a year was found to have a subglottic, submucosal mass almost totally obstructing the laryngeal lumen. Excisional biopsy was performed under suspensory direct laryngoscopy. Histopathological examination showed numerous, large, distended blood vessels, some of which had prominent thickened walls and mature adipose tissue beneath the surface epithelium. The final diagnosis was hamartoma, but we discussed its validity and other possible identifications in accordance with the literature.