Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for the diagnosis of laryngeal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

This case demonstrates how endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can safely and effectively overcome the limitations of traditional biopsy in submucosal laryngeal lesions.

A 61-year-old woman underwent surgical treatment for a left orbital nodule 4 years ago. Postoperative pathology confirmed extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma). She subsequently received four cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. One month ago, she underwent laryngoscopy for investigation of throat discomfort. The examination revealed swelling in the left aryepiglottic fold, left vestibular wall, and left laryngeal compartment, with smooth surface mucosa ([Fig. 1]). Magnetic resonance imaging of the throat showed an abnormal signal in the left piriform fossa, involving the left aryepiglottic fold ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 1 Laryngoscopy showed swelling of the left aryepiglottic fold, left vestibular wall, and left laryngeal compartment, with smooth surface mucosa.

Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an abnormal signal (arrow) in the left piriform fossa involving the left aryepiglottic fold.

Given the smooth mucosal surface of the tumor and the narrow supraglottic space, direct biopsy under laryngoscopy risked a lower diagnostic yield and airway obstruction. Therefore, we opted for EUS-FNA to confirm the diagnosis. EUS revealed a hypoechoic area in the aryepiglottic fold, with clear boundaries and low internal vascularity ([Fig. 3]). Under real-time Doppler ultrasound guidance (BF-UC260FW; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), a 21-gauge needle (NA-201SX-4021; Olympus) was used to puncture the lesion ([Video 1]). The procedure caused minimal bleeding, and histopathology confirmed MALT lymphoma ([Fig. 4]). Finally, the patient received repeat chemotherapy and local radiotherapy.

Fig. 3 Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic area in the left aryepiglottic fold, with well-defined boundaries and low internal vascularity.

Fig. 4 Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic area in the left aryepiglottic fold, with clear margins and low internal blood flow. Under real-time Doppler ultrasound guidance, a 21-gauge needle was used to puncture the lesion.Video 1

MALT lymphoma involving the larynx is relatively rare, and such lesions are typically located partially or entirely beneath the mucosa [1]. Conventional endoscopic biopsy is limited to the mucosal layer, and inadequate sampling depth often renders definitive diagnosis challenging. The application of EUS-FNA to submucosal lesions in the oropharynx is safe [2]; therefore, it is also suitable for use in the larynx. We present this case to offer new perspectives on the diagnosis and management of submucosal laryngeal lesions. EUS-FNA provides a relatively safe and effective approach for obtaining tissue samples from these lesions.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AB

Publication History

Article published online:
14 July 2025

• References

• 1 Siddiqui NA, Branstetter 4th BF, Hamilton BE. et al. Imaging characteristics of primary laryngeal lymphoma. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2010; 31: 1261-1265
• 2 Zhang Z, Luo Y, Shi M. et al. EUS-FNA to diagnose a submucosal oropharyngeal carcinoma. Endosc Ultrasound 2024; 13: 273-275