ABSTRACT
To study clinical and pathological characteristics, possibility of systemic disease, and effect of local therapy in patients with laryngeal amyloidosis. Immunohistology helped to exclude AA amyloid, confirmed the presence of SAP, but failed to detect specific reactivity for either kappa or lambda light chain. The most important indications for treatment were dramatic voice changes, objectified by phonetograms, and decreased tolerance of exertion. Amyloid interfering with laryngeal or airway function was removed during microlaryngoscopy with CO2-laser or cold endoscopic excision. Laryngeal amyloidosis is a slowly progressive disease, which should be treated depending on the complaints of the patient. Stabilization often occurs after a number of years. A systematic work-up, including measurement of free light chains, helps to detect systemic disease.
