Kaposi’s sarcoma of the larynx: an unusual case report

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a vascular tumor with a low potential for malignancy. It is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and commonly occurs in patients who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is mainly localized on the skin, but manifestations in solid organs are also described. Laryngeal involvement is rare and, when present, associated with severe conditions of immunosuppression. We present the case of a 46-year-old male patient with no history of HIV infection who presented with progressive dysphagia and intermittent odynophagia for 5 weeks. Dyspnea and dysphonia were denied. There is neither alcohol nor nicotine abuse. Clinical examination reveals an exophytic, partially whitish mass at the free edge of the epiglottis, which extends to the laryngeal and lingual surface of the epiglottis. In cases of primary suspicion of malignancy, an excision biopsy was performed using the Kleinsasser technique. The histological examination revealed a Kaposi’s sarcoma. In the subsequent diagnostics, an HIV infection was found and the patient was given antiretroviral therapy. The postoperative follow-up revealed a complete disappearance of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Although Kaposi’s sarcoma of the larynx is very rare, laryngeal manifestations in immunosuppressed patients cannot be ruled out. This differential diagnosis should be considered when a livid, papillomatous growth appears in the larynx. Therapy consists of initiating antiretroviral medication.

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023