A 50-year-old male presents with a soft, reducible swelling over the left thyrohyoid region that enlarges on coughing or Valsalva manoeuvre and transilluminates. CT shows an air-filled sac communicating with the laryngeal ventricle. Which statement about this condition is most accurate?

• A It is a retention cyst of the submandibular duct
• B It represents herniation of the saccule through the thyrohyoid membrane ✓
• C It arises from the pyriform sinus and always remains internal
• D It is unrelated to any laryngeal malignancy

Explanation

B laryngocoele is an abnormal dilatation or herniation of the saccule of the laryngeal ventricle. An internal type stays within the larynx, while an external type protrudes through the thyrohyoid membrane, presenting as a swelling that enlarges with raised intralaryngeal pressure such as coughing or trumpet playing. Importantly, an acquired laryngocoele in an adult may indicate a glottic or ventricular carcinoma obstructing the ventricle, so endoscopy is mandatory.

Reference: Scott-Brown's Essential Otorhinolaryngology, 2nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.