Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Larynx: Comparison with Orbital Inflammatory Pseudotumor with Clinical Implications

The larynx is an uncommon site of reactive or neoplastic lymphoproliferative disease. Inflammatory pseudotumor of the larynx is a rare benign growth comprised of hyperplastic lymphoid tissue with varying degrees of sclerosis. It is histologically similar to pseudotumors of other anatomic sites, including the orbit, skin, breast, gastrointestinal tract, and lung. The presentation of inflammatory pseudotumors of the larynx ranges from intermittent bouts of hoarseness to airway obstruction and death. Proper diagnosis is often delayed because of the rarity of such lesions in this site. We report a case of pseudotumor of the larynx and review the reported experience with this rare process. Comparison of this lesion to orbital inflammatory pseudotumor suggests pathologic similarity and therefore identifies management options not usually considered.