Malignant mimickers: chronic bacterial and fungal infections of the larynx

J Voice. 2005 Mar;19(1):151-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2004.10.004.

Abstract

Chronic infections of the larynx are notorious "copycats" of squamous cell carcinoma. Patients typically present with a historical picture and symptoms identical to those seen in a neoplastic setting: dyspnea, hoarseness, odynophagia, weight loss, and a history of tobacco and alcohol abuse. Historically, these patients were subject to an extensive resection for what was in reality a benign disease. A better understanding and awareness of these conditions has reinforced the need for a direct laryngoscopy, biopsy, and culture in the evaluation of long-lasting laryngeal lesions; this has led to more appropriate and focused treatment. The clinical mimicry of chronic laryngeal infections will be illustrated in two recent case reports, histoplasmosis and botryomycosis of the larynx, which will lead into a discussion on the differential diagnosis of bacterial and fungal laryngeal infections, their evaluation, and treatment options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Botrytis / isolation & purification*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Histoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Histoplasmosis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / therapeutic use
  • Laryngeal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Laryngeal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Laryngeal Diseases / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Mycoses / diagnosis*
  • Mycoses / microbiology*
  • Proteus Infections / complications*
  • Proteus Infections / drug therapy
  • Proteus mirabilis / isolation & purification*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / complications*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Itraconazole