Progressive Cervical Mass Caused by a Laryngocele: A Case Report

Laryngoceles are rare, benign dilations of the laryngeal saccule that may present with a wide range of symptoms or remain asymptomatic, making their diagnosis challenging. We present the case of a 24-year-old male soldier, a chronic smoker with a history of persistent cough, who presented with a painless, progressively enlarging swelling on the left side of his neck that increased with straining. He reported no dysphagia, dyspnea, or hoarseness, and both systemic and ENT examinations were unremarkable. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the neck confirmed the diagnosis of an infected laryngocele. The patient underwent complete surgical excision via a transverse cervical incision under general anesthesia. Dissection was carefully performed through the sternocleidomastoid muscle, with complete removal of the cyst while preserving the superior laryngeal nerve. The postoperative course was uneventful, with normal voice and swallowing maintained. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis, and at one-year follow-up, the patient remained symptom-free with no evidence of recurrence. This case emphasizes the importance of considering a laryngocele in the differential diagnosis of painless neck swellings and demonstrates that surgical excision remains a safe and effective treatment with excellent long-term outcomes.