Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma of the larynx: comparative study of ten cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

Oncocytic papillary cystadenomas (OPCs) of the larynx are rare benign cystic lesions that usually present as supraglottic masses arising from the laryngeal ventricles. OPCs are found in patients older than 60 years, with a female predominance. Symptoms vary from asymptomatic to hoarseness, dyspnea, and dysphagia; often, they mimic a laryngocele. The treatment is surgical. Diagnosis is based on histopathologic examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surgical records for laryngeal masses diagnosed between 2005 and 2020 were searched retrospectively.

RESULTS

Ten patients were identified and included in the study. OPCs predominantly occurred in women (9/10), and the mean age at presentation was 73 years. Most patients (8/10) presented with hoarseness and were smokers. OPCs were localized in the ventricle in eight out of ten patients. Surgical treatment was performed in all cases, mostly using transoral endolaryngeal approach (9/10). Histopathologic examination revealed oncocytic cyst or oncocytic papillary cystadenoma (the former term being the older synonym for OPC).

CONCLUSION

OPCs present a separate clinicopathologic entity, distinct from other cystic laryngeal lesions. They have a characteristic location, age and sex group, microscopic appearance, and potential for local recurrence.