Laryngeal metastases from breast cancer: A rare clinical entity

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in females. The common site for metastases is bone, lungs, liver, and regional lymph nodes. Larynx as a metastatic site from breast cancer is extremely rare. The authors report a 63-year-old female treated for carcinoma of right breast 5 years back who presented with hoarseness of voice. Clinicoradiological examination revealed a soft tissue lesion in larynx. Pathological evaluation of the laryngeal lesion revealed metastases secondary to breast cancer. The patient received systemic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. Patients with a history of breast cancer presenting with hoarseness and shortness of breath should not only be evaluated for laryngeal primary but also for metastases. This case is reported in view of rarity of the case with laryngeal metastases from breast cancer masquerading as primary laryngeal disease. To the best of our knowledge, less than 20 cases of laryngeal metastases from breast cancer had been reported in literature till date. Patients with a history of breast cancer presenting with hoarseness and shortness of breath should not only be evaluated for laryngeal primary but also for metastases. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment of laryngeal metastases is multidisciplinary. Recognizing metastatic disease and prompt early treatment are very important to improve the quality of life. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.