Clinical implications of laryngeal amyloidosis.

Four cases of laryngeal amyloidosis are reported. For the present three of these cases have to be considered as primary localized amyloidosis, the type usually found in the larynx. Amyloid in the larynx may be a manifestation of the generalized or secondary form, which has to be excluded in each case. Diagnosis is provided by various histochemical stainings of which Congo red is the most specific one. Electron microscopy can be very helpful. Treatment consists of local excision. Recurrence may become manifest after several years and long-term follow-up is recommended.