Vocal cord paralysis from prostatic carcinoma metastasizing to the larynx.

Abstract

According to 1992 Cancer Statistics, prostate carcinoma is once again predicted to be the most common cancer in men, exceeding the incidence of lung cancer. In American men, this cancer is estimated to be the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths by site. Although metastases have been reported in practically every organ in the body, prostatic cancer most often metastasizes to bones, regional lymph nodes, and viscera. Although secondary involvement of the larynx by malignant neoplasms arising in contiguous structures is well known, metastatic cancer to the larynx from a prostate carcinoma is rare. This report discusses a unique case that presented with hoarseness resulting from vocal cord paralysis. The diagnosis of the tumor was confirmed by immunoperoxidase stains for prostate-specific antigen.