Results of partial laryngectomy for benign neural tumors of the larynx in children.

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term results of partial laryngectomy for benign neural tumors of the larynx. We reviewed 8 patients with laryngeal involvement -- 7 with neurofibromatosis and 1 without -- treated between 1980 and 1994. The mean age was 6.5 years. A partial laryngectomy was performed in 7 cases. All the tumors were located in the aryepiglottic folds. Clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic follow-ups were used for evaluating recurrence. A good laryngeal airway, swallowing without aspiration, and voice quality were sought in assessing the functional results. Five patients had good functional results with no recurrences. One patient died of malignant transformation and metastatic dissemination of his disease. To summarize, partial laryngectomy is a relatively safe and effective procedure, even in childhood, for treating this rare localization of neurofibromatosis. A malignant transformation of the tumor is possible and carries a poor prognosis.