Ancient schwannoma of the true vocal cord.

Ancient schwannomas are benign nerve origin neoplasms that may cause difficulties in the differential diagnosis with other benign or malignant tumors. They usually occur in the head and neck region (epiglottis, arytenoepiglottic fold, false vocal cord). Involvement of the true vocal cords is extremely rare (less than 10 cases have ever been reported in the English literature--mainly in women). The present case describes a 27-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of hoarseness. Indirect laryngoscopy showed a small polypoid mass in the middle of the left vocal cord. During microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia, the polypoidal mass was removed and sent for histology. Immunohistochemistry and detailed histological examination revealed an ancient schwannoma. The present case in a male patient aims to increase awareness of the possibility that these tumors may also exist in the true vocal cords mimicking other more frequent lesions. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel