LARYNGEAL HAMARTOMA - A RARE CONGENITAL ABNORMALITY

Hamartoma is a rare congenital abnormality of the larynx that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign lesions of the lary nx. Presenting symptoms may include changes in voice, eating, and acti vity levels, and respiratory complaints. We treated a 2 1/2-year-old b oy with an 8-month history of upper airway compromise. Radiographic st udies showed a rounded, right-sided, supraglottic soft tissue mass. Di rect laryngoscopy revealed a well-mucosalized, encapsulated, firm 3 x 2.5-cm mass that originated from the right supraglottic structures. Th e mass was excised endoscopically. Histologic examination revealed a h amartoma. At 18 months, the patient has had an uneventful postoperativ e course.