Study on a Rare Case of a Solitary Laryngeal Xanthoma and Its Clinical Implications

Abstract

Xanthomas are localized infiltrates of lipid-containing histiocytic foam cells that usually are found within the dermis or tendons. The present study highlights a rare case of a solitary laryngeal xanthoma in a 42 year old male, who complained of hoarseness and voice fatigueness since1 year. A smooth surfaced polypoidal mass with a yellowish tinge arising from the membranous left vocal cord was discovered during a flexible laryngoscopic examination. There were no other similar lesions found on his body. Transoral-endoscopic mass excision was performed and histopathological examination revealed fragments of stratified squamous epithelium with sub-epithelium displaying sheets of foamy cells. A diagnosis of single laryngeal xanthoma was made after CD68 immunohistochemistry was positive. The patient's follow-up found no recurrence, however studies revealed newly discovered dyslipidemia. As a result, a diagnosis of a solitary laryngeal xanthoma, even without any other lesions, warrants a thorough investigative workup, including lipid profile, even in patients who are not known cases of dyslipidemia. This is especially essential in a country like India, where a substantial percentage of cases of dyslipidemia goes unnoticed, resulting in atherosclerosis and maybe cardiac problems in the future.