Kaposi Sarcoma of the Larynx: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective Kaposi sarcoma (KS) of the larynx is a rare disease with few cases reported in the literature. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of laryngeal KS, including patient characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Data Sources PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library. Review Methods A systematic review of the published English literature was conducted. An electronic search and bibliographic examination of articles pertaining to laryngeal KS were performed. Demographic data, tumor site, treatment strategies, follow-up, and outcome were analyzed. Results A total 77 cases from 50 articles were included in the review. The mean age was 47.6 years (range, 8-81). There was an 8.6:1 male:female ratio. The most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea (n = 35) and hoarseness (n = 25). Laryngeal KS arose most frequently in the supraglottic region (n = 16). Chemotherapy alone (n = 27) was the most common treatment modality in patients with AIDS-associated KS, and surgical excision alone (n = 7) was most common in patients with other subtypes of KS (eg, classic, transplant associated). Average follow-up was 20.4 months (range, 0.75-120). Most patients with AIDS-associated KS died of other causes (n = 25), but most patients with other subtypes of KS were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up (n = 13). Conclusion This review contains the largest pool of laryngeal KS cases to date. Long-term outcomes were generally unfavorable, often due to advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis.

Kaposi’s sarcoma of the larynx: case series

“…It is uncommonly encountered in non-immunocompromised patients, and there are few reported cases of laryngeal involvement [ 13 ]. A recent study reported 77 published cases of laryngeal KSs worldwide [ 14 ].…”

A Case of Non-cutaneous Kaposi Sarcoma

“…Visceral involvement of AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma is uncommon, and laryngeal involvement without cutaneous lesions rarely occurs. To our knowledge, a recent systematic review found only 77 published case reports of Kaposi sarcoma of the larynx, predominantly in males and mostly arising in the supraglottic region [ 2 ]. The presenting symptoms can range from hoarseness of voice, which was the presenting symptom in this patient, and dysphagia to stridor or complete airway obstruction [ 10 ].…”

“…Although AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma involves the head and neck, the primary laryngeal disease is uncommon [ 1 ]. A literature review showed only a handful of Kaposi sarcoma cases, approximately 77 to date, affecting the larynx [ 2 ].…”