We herein report the case of a patient with adult T-cell leukemia of the larynx.Adult T cell Leukemia was first described by Takatsuki in 1975. ATL is associated with human T cell lymphotropic virus typeⅠ(HTLV-1). Patients with this condition usually show lymphadenopathy and skin rash. The association of local laryngeal mass lesions is rare.
The patient, a 67-year-old woman, complained of throat pain that persisted for two weeks. She had a tumor of the epiglottis as well as cervical lymphadenopathy, and ulceration of a finger. To obtain a definite diagnosis, we obtained a biopsy specimen from the laryngeal tumor; however, the lesion was necrotic. Thus, we then obtained a biopsy specimen of the right cervical lymph node. The pathological findings suggested malignant lymphoma originating from the T cells. HTLV-1 was found in her serum, and a provirus was identified in ATL cells. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and the epiglottal mass gradually disappeared.
Otolaryngologists should consider ATL in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma.
