Cholesterol granuloma in the neck – a case of vocal fold paralysis

Authors

  • Sara Raquel Azevedo First year resident of Otorhinolaringology at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto – Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Institute – University of Porto. Porto, Portugal
  • José Ricardo Brandão First year resident of Pathologic Anatomy at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto – Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Institute – University of Porto. Porto, Portugal
  • Mariline Santos Doctor of the Otorhinolaringology Servive at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto – Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Institute – University of Porto. Porto, Portugal
  • Miguel Bebiano Coutinho Graduate Hospital Assistant of the Otorhinolaringology Servive at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto – Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Institute – University of Porto. Porto, Portugal
  • Cecília Almeida e Sousa Director of the Otorhinolaringology Servive at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto – Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Institute – University of Porto. Porto, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.931

Keywords:

granuloma, cholesterol, paralysis, vocal fold, voice

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to report a case of cholesterol granuloma in the neck with vocal cord paralysis.

Case report: A 75-year-old male patient with recent onset of hoarseness complaints followed on Otorhinolaryngology appointment. Objective examination with flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy showed a paralysis of the left vocal cord. Neck CT scan showed a solid nodular lesion in the left vascular space of the neck. Surgical excision was performed and histological diagnosis showed a thymic granuloma of cholesterol.

Discussion: Cholesterol granuloma develops in response to cholesterol crystals and foreign body giantcells. It is described as a benign condition affecting the middle ear mostly. It has already been described in other organs but is rarely described affecting the neck. Surgical excision and histological examination are essential to treatment and diagnosis.

References

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Published

2021-12-17

How to Cite

Azevedo, S. R., Brandão, J. R., Santos , M. ., Bebiano Coutinho, M., & Almeida e Sousa , C. (2021). Cholesterol granuloma in the neck – a case of vocal fold paralysis. Portuguese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 59(4), 375–377. https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.931

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 4 (2021): December

Section

Case Report

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Copyright (c) 2021 Portuguese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

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