We present the first reported case of a paraganglioma of the larynx occurring concurrently with squamous cell carcinoma in an irradiated neck.

We present a case report and a literature review of paraganglioma of the larynx.

A 78-year-old woman was found to have a mass on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and non-functioning larynx, four months after radical radiotherapy for biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma. Repeated positron emission tomography computed tomography was highly suggestive of residual malignancy. Given these findings, and the fact that the patient was aspirating, she was treated with total laryngectomy, and was found to have a paraganglioma of the larynx.

This is the first report of such a case. Its importance is three-fold in that it demonstrates: the coexistence of paraganglioma and squamous cell carcinoma; the difficulties that can be encountered in the diagnosis; and the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of paraganglioma.

To illustrate a case of an iatrogenic mucosal tear in the trachea which caused a one-way valve effect, obstructing the airway and manifesting as post-extubation stridor.

We report a case of iatrogenic tracheal mucosal tear secondary to violent movement during intubation. The patient presented with post-extubation stridor that worsened over three days. Initial evidence suggested tracheal stenosis. Computed tomography scans revealed a mucosal tear at the level of the seventh cervical to second thoracic vertebrae. The tear was caused by forceful inflow of air as breathing became more and more difficult, resulting in a false tract. A tracheostomy changed the direction of airflow, bypassing the tear. The inflated tracheostomy tube cuff acted as a stent to keep the flap in place as healing occurred.

Iatrogenic laryngotracheal injuries are common, especially when endotracheal intubation is performed under unfavourable emergency conditions. A tracheal mucosal tear is a rare entity which is almost always undiagnosed. However, a tracheal mucosal flap may be suspected when changes in patient position alter the nature and severity of the resultant stridor and/or respiratory distress. In such cases, an inflated tracheostomy tube cuff should be kept in place for an adequate period, to act as a stent and help keep the flap in place while healing occurs.

To discuss the pathophysiology and various treatment methods of multiple symmetrical lipomatosis.

We report a case of multiple symmetrical lipomatosis in a middle-aged man. He presented to us with an extensive, disfiguring neck mass. Clinical examination and computed tomography suggested a lipomatous mass without compression of vital neck structures. The proximity of the lipomatous mass to the carotid sheaths attracted our interest. We performed surgical excision in this case, because of the deep infiltrative behaviour of the lipoma. The benefits and drawbacks of liposuction and surgical excision of extensive neck lipomatosis are discussed.

Surgical excision and liposuction are complementary treatments in the management of multiple symmetrical lipomatosis. Patients should be aware of the limitations of both surgical options, and the risk of lipoma recurrence, before surgery. The decision on the mode of surgery relies upon the disease extent, the patient's expectations and the surgeon's experience.