[Invasive papillary carcinoma of the thyroid associated with a voluminous laryngocele].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the value of computed tomography scan in the associated laryngeal and thyroid pathology.

METHODS

The giant laryngocele caused acute obstruction of the upper respiratory airway. Clinically, presenting symptoms includes lateral neck mass, dysphagia, cough, dyspnea. A neck CT scan is a special X-ray study that is used to examine structures located in the neck and upper chest.

RESULTS

On computed tomography (CT), a mixed (external) laryngocele appears as a well-marginated fluid-filled cystic mass in the lower submandibular space at the level of the thyrohyoid membrane. In this case, computed tomography of the neck showed an associated lesion between the larynx and the invasive thyroid tumor. The laryngocele was treated by extramucous lateral thyrotomy and the carcinoma removed through subtotal thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

CT scan demonstrated its great value in the evaluation of the patient with a neck mass.