Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs), also known as inflammatory pseudotumors, plasma cell granulomas or inflammatory fibrosarcomas, are neoplastic lesions which primarily occur in children and are most frequently described in the lungs. They rarely affect the head and neck region. A 63-year-old female patient presented with an extremely large tumor which obstructed the airway. Total laryngectomy was performed. The diagnosis was atypical spindle cell proliferation and inflammatory cells without necrosis and an increased mitotic activity compatible with an IMT. The definitive diagnosis was achieved with positive cytoplasmic anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK)-1 immunoreactivity. In conclusion, it is critical to evaluate patients carefully to distinguish IMT from mimicking diseases through endoscopic, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessment to make tailor the treatment plan.
Keywords: Immunohistochemistry, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, larynx