An Uncommon Case of Laryngeal Oncocytoma

Abstract

Oncocytes are large glandular cells that can be found in the salivary glands, lacrimal system, and parathyroid and thyroid glands. When they occur in the thyroid, they are known as Hürthle cells. Th ey have a tendency to become more abundant with advancing age. Oncocytomas of the larynx are rare but well-documented lesions. A 57-year-old man with a 6-month history of hoarseness and cough was referred to us by his primary care physician. Th e patient had a 50-pack-year history of tobacco use and he drank 2 alcoholic beverages per day. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy demonstrated a submucosal mass in the area of the left false vocal fold with no impairment of vocal fold mobility. Contrast-enhanced