A Case of Vocal Cord Submucosal Mycoses Effectively Resected by Surgery

Abstract

Laryngeal mycosis usually develops in immunocompromised patients and occurs superficially. It is generally treated by systemic antifungal drugs. We herein report a case of laryngeal mycosis in the subcutaneous tissue in a supposedly immunocompetent patient that was treated successfully with surgical resection. A 66-year-old female without any obvious risk factors presented with an 18-month history of hoarseness. An elevated lesion was detected on the right vocal cord. The lesion had been caused by two white submucosal masses and was removed via a direct laryngoscopic examination under general anesthesia. Based on a histopathological examination, the masses were diagnosed as a fungal infection. Additional examinations to identify risk factors, including a systemic computed tomography scan, gastrointestinal endoscopy, serologic tests for mycosis and collagen diseases, and tumor marker assessments, revealed no significant findings. No recurrence was seen for eight months without any additional systemic antifungal drug administration. We experienced a case of submucosal mycosis in the vocal cord. Surgical resection seems to be effective, especially in immunocompetent patients, when the lesion is localized.