The first case of osteoma in the false vocal fold

Objectives

This article reports the first evidence of a larynx osteoma of the false vocal fold.

Study design

Case report and literature review.

Methods

Case report and review of previously published cases of larynx osteomas.

Results

A 79-year-old patient was referred to our institution for dysphagia and hoarseness. Fibrolaryngoscopy showed a regular surface tumefaction of the false fold and the left ventricle, with preserved cordal motility. Patient underwent direct laryngoscopy with CO₂ laser excision of the lesion. Pathologic examination of the lesion (1.6 cm × 1 cm) showed features consistent with an osteoma. Complete regression of symptoms was observed after surgery, with no lesions found on routine 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Osteomas are benign, slow growing tumors of the craniofacial bone area, very rarely located in the larynx. Although the etiology is unknown, accepted theories point to embryologic, post-traumatic and infectious causes. Surgical excision is indicated only in symptomatic cases. This case report is the fourth evidence of laryngeal osteoma and, to our knowledge, the first finding of a false vocal fold osteoma.