RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Angiofibromas are uncommon vascular tumors with a strong predilection for the nasopharynx of adolescent males. Although they are slow growing and histologically benign, they have the potential to cause significant morbidity with laryngeal involvement. METHODS: We describe the clinical characteristics, histopathologic findings, differential diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, and management of a case of laryngeal angiofibroma. RESULTS: The patient was initially seen with a 2 1/2-year history of progressive dyspnea and dysphagia. Preoperative evaluation suggested a vascular mass involving the left supraglottic larynx. A partial laryngopharyngectomy was performed without complication. The patient is alive and disease free 3 years postoperatively. Final histopathologic diagnosis is consistent with angiofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal angiofibroma is an extremely rare entity. Adequate preoperative imaging is necessary to confirm the vascularity of this lesion, because ill-planned biopsy may lead to significant blood loss. The role of preoperative embolization of other laryngeal vascular lesions has been well documented and may be useful in the management of laryngeal angiofibroma.