General Considerations

•rare and malignant tumors are more common

•LSA is the most common pharyngeal tumor in cats with ADC and SCC also reported

•LSA may present as a diffuse thickening of pharyngeal mucosa or localized mass

•pharyngeal tumors in dogs include extramedullary plasma cell tumor, OSA, CSA, FSA, MCT, undifferentiated carcinoma, ADC, and SCC

•benign pharyngeal tumors (i.e., rhabdomyoma, angioleiomyoma, and oncocytoma) have also been described in dogs

•rhabdomyoma has a predilection for young male dogs and are minimally invasive with no reported metastasis

Clinical Features

•clinical signs: voice change, respiratory noise or distress with obstruction, exercise intolerance, dysphagia, and pain

•diagnosis: ultrasound, radiology, and biopsy under direct visualization

•DDx: inflammatory polyps and laryngeal disease

Treatment

•benign tumors and cysts can be removed while preserving function

•radical procedures required for malignant tumors such as permanent tracheostomy and complete laryngectomy

•temporary tracheostomy may be required to permit resection

•other options: radiation therapy and chemotherapy

Prognosis

•rhabdomyoma: survival time usually > 1 year and majority are considered cured

•malignant laryngeal tumors are rare tumors which are not frequently treated hence data not available