Laryngeal malignant lymphoma--an entity?

Five patients with laryngeal lymphoma who presented at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital between 1953 and 1979 are described. The literature is reviewed and it is found that 40 cases have been previously reported. A modification of a previous clinical classification is presented. Long-term hoarseness as a presenting symptom, and difficulty in making the diagnosis is emphasized. It is found that most cases are supraglottic, non-ulcerated, pale laryngeal masses. There is no sex or age preference and Hodgkin's lymphoma has not been described in the larynx. A significant number of cases are, and remain localized to the larynx, and consequently have a good prognosis with radiation therapy. However, careful evaluation by experts, and long-term follow-up is emphasized.