Malignant lesions of the larynx are very rare in pediatric population as it accounts for less than 0.1% of all head and neck malignancies in childhood. Apart from human papilloma virus infection, adult risk factors like laryngeal papilloma, gastroesophageal reflux, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immunosuppressive therapy, smoking, alcohol abuse, poor oral hygiene and a family history of cancer also play a role in pediatric laryngeal cancers.

A 14-year-old boy presented to us with hoarseness of voice since 8 months. He was treated for laryngitis and subacute bacterial laryngitis and later referred to us. He complained of mild dysphagia and the hoarseness of voice. An ulceroproliferative lesion in the left arytenoids and aryepiglottic fold was seen with retroarytenoid extension in the left arytenoids and the left hemilarynx was fixed. The left level II node was enlarged 2 × 2 cm and a staged as carcinoma supraglottis T3/ 4N1Mx. The node aspiration biopsy revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

The case was posted for wide field laryngectomy, under ASA grade II. The direct laryngoscopic examination revealed the extent of the tumor, and the frozen sections of biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The surgery was done with the classical Gluck Sorenson incision and the patient was given postoperative radiotherapy.

Pediatric laryngeal cancers are very rare and studies about the etiology, biology of the tumor, diagnostic and management protocols are not standardized. Formulating a protocol for childhood laryngeal cancers management which includes early diagnosis and accurate treatment is essential.

Naik SM, Nanjundappa A, Srihariprasad H, Halkud R, Chavan P, Gupta S. Pediatric Laryngeal Malignancies: Current Management Protocols and Review of Literature. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2012;2(2):62-65.