Fungal laryngitis: a forgotten disease mimicking laryngeal cancer—a case report

Abstract

Background

Fungal laryngitis is a fungal infection of the larynx which is an extremely rare clinical entity, especially in immunocompetent patients. The diagnosis is often overlooked and delayed among patients, and it is usually evident among immunocompromised patients.

Case presentation

We herein present a case of a 60-year-old gentleman presented with dysphagia for 6 months associated with hoarseness. Endoscopic examination shows a fungating mass over the larynx that mimics cancer. However, a biopsy of the mass showed the presence of fungal spores.

Conclusion

This case report emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion of fungal laryngitis and its early intervention.

Background

An isolated fungal infection of the larynx is less common than a fungal infection of the respiratory tract. Primary fungal laryngitis is also a very rare clinical entity.¹ It often presents with nonspecific clinical symptoms and often gets confused with certain laryngeal diseases such as leukoplakia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other granulomatous lesions of the larynx not forgetting carcinoma [1]. The common presentation of fungal laryngitis varies and can present as hoarseness, dysphagia, dysphonia, odynophagia, stridor, and respiratory distress [2].

These nonspecific clinical presentations mimicking other laryngeal lesions may cause misdiagnosis which will lead to inappropriate treatment. Therefore, clinicians and otolaryngologists should take count of the presentation and diagnosis as treatment differs for fungal infections at uncommon sites like the larynx [3].

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man with underlying diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma was referred for dysphagia and globus sensation over the throat for the past 5 months associated with hoarseness. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) performed primarily by the surgical team showed a fungating mass over the supraglottic region, partially obstructing the upper airway, and was referred to the ORL clinic for further management.

Upon review, the patient was not in respiratory distress, and no stridor was heard. There were no cervical lymph nodes palpable. Endoscopic examination of the pharynx and larynx showed a fungating mass at the right arytenoid extending anteriorly to posterior 1/3 of the right false cord with normal mobility of the vocal cords (Fig. 1). Other laryngeal subsites were normal. A biopsy of the mass was reported as a fungal spore with no malignant cells seen (Fig. 2). After discussing with our pathologist and multiple testings, it was concluded that the patient was suffering from fungal laryngitis rather than laryngeal cancer. The patient was then treated with oral antifungal (Fluconazole) for 3 months duration. He responded well to treatment and subsequent follow-up showed a resolved lesion (Fig. 3). Subsequently, the patient was called for a monthly follow-up to perform a surveillance endoscope, the scope findings were unremarkable.

Fig. 1

Endoscopic view of the larynx showing a fungating mass with slough at the right arytenoid and false cord

Fig. 2

PAS (periodic acid-Schiff) stain highlighted budding fungal spores evidenced by the yellow arrow

Fig. 3

Endoscopic view of larynx post-treatment showed resolved fungal laryngitis

Discussion

Fungal laryngitis is an infection which is commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals masquerading other laryngeal diseases with endoscopy and radiological appearance mimicking the features of laryngeal malignancy [2]. Early detection and treatment are crucial as misdiagnosis or delay in treatment may result in further impairment of the anatomical and functional properties of the larynx [3]. Even so, recent reports state that fungal laryngitis can happen in both immunocompromised patients and healthy patients with predisposing factors such as the use of corticosteroids especially inhaled steroids in asthmatics, broad-spectrum antibiotics usage, diabetes, alcoholism, burns, endotracheal intubations, and recent laryngitis [5]. A history of steroid usage regardless of inhaled or via oral are helpful diagnostic pointer [5]. Our patient had two risk factors namely diabetes and chronic usage of corticosteroid inhaler due to his uncontrolled bronchial asthma. It is known that a considerable proportion of inhaled corticosteroid is deposited in the larynx, especially on the superior surface of the vocal cord, easing fungal colonization on the epithelial surfaces [6].

Clinical presentation of fungal laryngitis is nonspecific and varies such as sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia, even so respiratory distress, fever, cough, and/or Gerd-like symptoms are reported too [2, 7]. Clinician should keep in mind the risk factors that might be involved aided by a high-definition laryngoscopy that could change the diagnosis that he/she is looking for [4]. Nonetheless in our case, it is known that the scope finding results in a huge well-circumscribed tumor in the supraglottic region partially obstructing the airway, mimicking carcinoma as our primary diagnosis.

Histological evaluation of tissues is a quick and easy way to identify fungal organisms and as an adjunct to microbiologic culture for diagnosis of fungal infections. Histologic evaluation of granulomatous inflammation and granulomas must include special stains such as Gomori Methenamine Silver (GMS) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) to exclude or include the presence of fungi and acid-fast bacteria. The most common fungi causing laryngitis is Candida followed by Aspergillosis, Cryptococcal, Blastomycosis, and Histoplasmosis is also implicated. Infection is usually precipitated by pulmonary or oropharyngeal infection [3].

Therapy of fungal laryngitis consists of prolonged treatment by systemic antifungals. According to literature, a daily usage of fluconazole at a dose of 100 to 400 mg should be given as the main choice. It is the fundamental drug of choice for patients with candida infections, as this oral agent has a higher rate of absorption [7]. Duration of treatment can vary from 10 to 30 days with noticeable clinical changes [1, 7]. Our patient was started with 200 mg oral fluconazole daily for 30 days and showed dramatic improvement in 2 weeks. At the same time, patient was satisfied as his symptoms improved tremendously post-completion of treatment.

Conclusion

Fungal laryngitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in any immunocompromised or immunocompetent patient with risk factors as stated above. Failure to do so may result in impairment of anatomical and functional properties of the larynx. Our case has demonstrated fungal laryngitis mimicking laryngeal malignancy. Therefore, performing a biopsy with histological examination using special stains is crucial and allows the exclusion of malignancy and prevents misdiagnosis along with mistreatment which will potentially harm the patient.

Patient perspective

The patient felt better after the completion of his treatment. He was thankful for choosing our center rather than any other medical center due to the wonderful hospitality and treatment choices offered to him. His family and himself were very satisfied with our mode of treatment as we did not cause any potential harm even though we had a diagnostic dilemma in the beginning.