PRIMARY NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA OF THE LARYNX IN AN AIDS PATIENT

A case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the larynx in an AIDS pati ent is presented with a review of the literature. Non-Hodgkin's lympho mas in AIDS patients are common but the primary laryngeal presentation is very rare. The symptoms usually include dysphonia and progressive airway obstruction requiring tracheostomy. As with laryngeal non-Hodgk in's laryngeal lymphomas in non-HIV positive patients the majority are of B cell Lineage and respond well to radiotherapy. Our patient had a high grade lymphoma of B cell lineage which showed a good response to radiotherapy. The role of chemotherapy and surgery is not yet establi shed. We suggest that the diagnosis of AIDS should not influence the m anagement of these patients unless the individual is in the terminal d isease stage.