Primary fungal laryngitis: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India

INTRODUCTION: Primary fungal laryngitis is a fungal infection of the larynx without affecting the other body parts such as the lungs, pharynx, and oral cavity. It is an extremely rare clinical entity. Hoarseness of the voice is common clinical presentations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the etiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of primary fungal laryngitis at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of seven cases of primary fungal laryngitis managed between 2014 and 2019. The detailed etiology, clinical presentations, investigations, and treatment of primary fungal laryngitis patients were studied. RESULTS: Primary fungal laryngitis is common among males with a mean age ranging from 15 to 63 years. There were five male and two female patients. The most common clinical symptom was hoarseness of voice (n = 7), dry irritating cough (n = 2), odynophagia (n = 1), discomfort in throat (n = 1), and dyspnea (n = 1). Laryngoscopic pictures of primary fungal laryngitis included leukoplakic lesions (n = 3), ulcerative lesions (n = 1), polypoidal lesions (n = 1), and nonspecific lesions (n = 2). Histopathological examination is confirmatory for the diagnosis. All the patients had taken antifungal treatment for 3-4 weeks after confirmation of the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of the primary fungal laryngitis is often overlooked and delayed among patients, as it is usually evident among immunocompromised patients. It often confuses with certain laryngeal diseases such as granulomatous diseases, leukoplakia, and malignancy. Delayed diagnosis and treatment will lead to high morbidity and mortality of the patients.