A condition in which abnormal proteins (called amyloids) become deposited in the spaces between cells. In some cases, the cause of amyloidosis is a systemic disorder in which the body over-produces proteins–for example, multiple myeloma, a blood disease; in this scenario, the amyloid deposits can be dispersed widely across the body. In other cases, the amyloid deposits do not seem to reflect systemic disease and can be more organ-specific.
Amyloidosis in the larynx:
In laryngeal amyloidosis, the deposits seem to be localized either just to the larynx, or to the larynx and pharynx. One sees what looks like yellowish candle wax within the tissues. The amyloid deposits are quite firm, and when biopsied, there is little bleeding.
Treatment for laryngeal amyloidosis:
Because of their infiltrative nature, amyloid deposits typically cannot all be dissected out of the larynx; instead, then, an operating physician will aim to debulk the deposits in areas where they impair breathing or the voice. That is, when deposits are widespread in the larynx, there does not seem to be any point in removing them except in locations where removal will improve function. Often, repeated procedures are required over many years’ time, though occasionally the condition seems to stop progressing.
Photos:
Amyloidosis, before and after debulking: Series of 4 photos
Amyloidosis, before debulking (1 of 4)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (1 of 4)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (2 of 4)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (2 of 4)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (3 of 4)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (3 of 4)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (4 of 4)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (4 of 4)
Amyloidosis of the Larynx as Seen Over Time, with Treatment
Primary laryngeal amyloidosis (1 of 7)
Primary laryngeal amyloidosis (1 of 7)
Bulky swelling (2 of 7)
Bulky swelling (2 of 7)
Amyloidosis (3 of 7)
Amyloidosis (3 of 7)
Amyloid deposits (4 of 7)
Amyloid deposits (4 of 7)
Vocal cords cannot close completely (5 of 7)
Vocal cords cannot close completely (5 of 7)
Amyloids Remain (6 of 7)
Amyloids Remain (6 of 7)
Voice remains clear (7 of 7)
Voice remains clear (7 of 7)
Amyloidosis: Series of 1 photo
Amyloidosis (1 of 1)
Amyloidosis (1 of 1)
Amyloidosis, before and after debulking: Series of 8 photos
Amyloidosis, before debulking (1 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (1 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (2 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (2 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (3 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (3 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (4 of 8)
Amyloidosis, before debulking (4 of 8)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (5 of 8)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (5 of 8)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (6 of 8)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (6 of 8)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (7 of 8)
Amyloidosis, after debulking (7 of 8)
Complete healing (8 of 8)
Complete healing (8 of 8)
Proteinaceous deposits of primary laryngeal amyloidosis can occur anywhere and “everywhere” in the larynx: Series of 4 photos
Airway Passage (1 of 4)
Airway Passage (1 of 4)
Submucosal Masses (2 of 4)
Submucosal Masses (2 of 4)
Amyloid Deposits (3 of 4)
Amyloid Deposits (3 of 4)
Diffuse Subglottic Infiltration (4 of 4)
Diffuse Subglottic Infiltration (4 of 4)
Videos:
This video gives an example of amyloidosis, which is a condition in which abnormal proteins (called amyloids) become deposited in the spaces between cells.