Results of partial laryngectomy for benign neural, tumors of the larynx inchildren

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term results of partial laryngectomy for benign neural tumors of the larynx. We reviewed 8 patients with laryngeal involvement - 7 with neurofibromatosis and 1 without - trea ted between 1980 and 1994. The mean age was 6.5 years. A partial laryngecto my was performed in 7 cases. All the tumors were located in the aryepiglott ic folds. Clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic follow-ups were used for eva luating recurrence. A good laryngeal airway, swallowing without aspiration, and voice quality were sought in assessing the functional results. Five pa tients had good functional results witt! no recurrences. One patient died o f malignant transformation and metastatic dissemination of his disease. To summarize, partial laryngectomy is a relatively safe and effective procedur e, even in childhood, for treating this rare localization of neurofibromato sis. A malignant transformation of the tumor is possible and carries a poor prognosis.