+ 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