Laryngopharyngeal Malakoplakia Mimicking Malignancy in a Patient With Diabetes Mellitus and Uremia: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Malakoplakia is an uncommon granulomatous inflammatory disease which can mimic malignancy. Laryngopharyngeal malakoplakia associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and uremia has not been previously described. There are numerous knowledge lacunae in our contemporary research on malakoplakia in patients with these comorbidities. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 49-year-old male complained of mechanical dysphagia for 30 days, and laryngoscopy revealed a huge mass at the base of tongue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a lesion measured approximately 2.7 × 2.0 × 2.5 cm. After surgery, the patient was followed up for over 20 months without recurrence. IHC staining was positive for Vimentin and CD68, while SOX-10 and S-100 were negative. Histopathological examination revealed Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, confirming a diagnosis of malakoplakia. CONCLUSION: Malakoplakia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pharyngeal mass. Complete surgical excision could be an effective way to treat malakoplakia and patients need long-term follow-up.