Laryngeal chloroma heralding relapse of acute myeloid leukemia.

Introduction Granulocytic sarcomas, also referred to as chloromas or myeloid sarcomas, are extramedullary neoplasms that are composed of immature myeloidcells.Thetermchloromareferstothegreencolorthat is imparted to the tissues as a result of the high concentration of myeloperoxidase foundwithinthetumorcells. These tumors typicallyoccur inassociation with nonlymphocytic leukemias or myelodysplastic syndromes, and their development may precede or coincide with relapse of systemic disease. Although the exact incidence is unknown, they are relatively uncommon, occurring in less than 10% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite the facts that granulocytic sarcomas can occur in almost any organ and the head and neck are frequently reported sites, laryngeal involvement has rarely been cited in the medical literature. Here we report the unusual clinical presentation and management of a laryngeal granulocytic sarcoma that heralded relapse of AML.