Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the larynx.

BACKGROUND: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is usually associated with a chronic inflammatory disease from which lymphoid tissue of MALT type arises as a prerequisite for lymphoma proliferation. No well-characterized chronic inflammatory process has been identified in the larynx.

METHODS: We report a case of primary MALT lymphoma of the larynx associated with extraesophageal reflux, chronic laryngitis, and gastric Helicobacter pylori infection, raising the issue of its physiopathology and treatment.

RESULTS: Treatment of this MALT lymphoma of the larynx consisted of complete surgical excision associated with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. No evidence of disease was observed after 24 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: We may assume that chronic laryngitis could be a precursor to MALT lymphoma. This case is the first one to our knowledge of a primary MALT lymphoma of the larynx treated with conservative management combining surgical excision, reflux therapy, and eradication of gastric H. pylori infection.