Objective: Hamartoma is a rare finding in the head and neck area and usually occurs as an age-related tumor in the lung. The aim of this study was to present the results of long-term follow-up of a case of laryngeal hamartoma (LH) and review the relevant literature.
Material and methods: A case of LH is presented which occurred in a 5-year-old child with a previously unreported change in the histologic pattern at recurrence. The relevant literature is critically reviewed with emphasis on histopathological aspects, clinical signs, age and gender.
Results: A total of 26 patients matched the search criteria, of whom 17 (65%) were male. LH occurred in 10 children (mean age 1.9 years) and 9 adults (mean age 49.6 years). Stridor, dysphonia and hoarseness were the commonest symptoms, occurring in 14 patients in total. In 18 patients the tumor presented as a supraglottic lesion (69%). Two neonates died shortly after the diagnosis was made. The current patient is the first to have presented with a change in the histological subtype.
Conclusion: LH should be included in the differential diagnosis of benign laryngeal lesions, particularly in children. Complete surgical removal is the method of choice but should be limited in order to preserve laryngeal function, as the prognosis of patients with LH is excellent.