Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Supraglottis Presenting as Hoarseness

Tobe Momah, Olusegun Lijofi

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hoarseness is a well-known condition in primary
care offices, with over 1% of primary care visits secondary to this
1 ailment. The most common causes are
Most of these cases are secondary to viral infections and do not
require antibiotics on most occasions. These viral infections s
WAJM 2024; 41 (1): 97 - 99. acute laryngitis (40%),
functional dysphonia (30%), benign and malignant tumors (2.2 to
30%), neurogenic factors such as vocal cord paralysis (8%),
physiological aging (2%), and psychogenic factors (2.2%).
ubside after 1 to 2 weeks and in the case of persistent hoarseness (above 4
weeks), the American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends
direct visualization with a laryngoscopy before treatment with
proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, or steroids.
Our patient presented with prolonged hoarseness (greater than eight
weeks) but had a quick turnaround time interval between primary
care visit and laryngoscopy evaluation (less than 2 weeks). This led to
her diagnosis and treatment with chemo and radiation therapy
within three months of diagnosis with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of
the Supraglottis. 
The primary care physician serves as the number one point of
visitation by sufferers of hoarseness. It is important that they are
knowledgeable and up to date with recommendations and guidelines
for managing this condition, as unwarranted delay can affect the
overall outcome on the part of the patient. This is especially
important in patients such as ours with high-risk factors including
Nicotine dependence, alcohol use, asbestos exposure, and HPV
infection.

KEYWORDS: Laryngoscopy, Supraglottis, Larynx, hoarseness