Laryngocele: a rare but complex disease associated with laryngeal cancer
Reviewed by Madhup K Chaurasia

The incidence of laryngocele is very low – 2.5 per million but its occurrence can be associated with cancer of the larynx. In this retrospective study of 14 cases over 10 years, the authors have elaborated on aetio-pathology, which is mainly increased pressure in laryngeal lumen and mechanical obstruction to the saccular orifice. It is of interest that apart from habitual causes, such as breath holding in trumpet blowers, laryngoceles can also be associated with a sinister pathology such as laryngeal cancer, as it was in 9 of the 14 cases in this study. One patient had a recurrent cancer and two had concomitant cancers of the larynx. Six patients had previous surgery for glottic carcinoma which was on the same side as the laryngocele which developed later. Eleven laryngoceles were internal and three were both internal and external (combined). Twelve patients underwent transoral approach surgery without any complications, although the authors mention this approach does entail risk of limited exposure, postoperative scarring and incomplete excision. The authors emphasise the need for careful imaging, preferably MRI. The importance of removing the anterior part of the false cord up to the laryngeal cartilage is mentioned and careful examination with biopsies should be done, especially in cases with laryngeal cancer. The article provides useful insight into this condition, which is rare but dangerous.

Laryngocele: diagnosis, management and association with laryngeal cancer.
Xiaxia L, Lou Z, Lin Z.
J LARYNGOL OTOL 
2025;139(7):622–8.