LOCALIZED AMYLOIDOSIS OF THE PAROTID-GLAND - A CASE-REPORT AND REVIEWOF THE LOCALIZED AMYLOIDOSIS OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Background: Localized amyloidosis in the head and neck is a rare and b enign process. Methods: We present the first case report in the litera ture of localized amyloidosis of the parotid glands and also comprehen sively review the literature regarding localized amyloidosis of the he ad and neck. Results. Amyloidosis affecting the head and neck region i s uncommon and is mostly in the form of localized amyloidosis. Larynx is the commonest site of involvement and accounts for 0.2% to 0.5% of benign laryngeal tumors. Laryngeal involvement could be either diffuse subepithelial deposition or discrete tumor nodules. Although localize d amyloidosis occurs much more frequently in the oral cavity and phary nx, only seven cases of nasopharyngeal amyloidosis and eight cases of nasal septum amyloidosis have been reported. There is no documentation to suggest that localized amyloidosis can progress to systemic amyloi dosis. Local surgical excision is the treatment of choice for laryngea l amyloidosis and laser excision is probably the best. Conclusion: Whi le localized amyloidosis of the head and neck region is rare, it shoul d be recognized, understood, evaluated, and properly treated. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.