Tracheal paraganglioma presenting with acute airway obstruction

Paragangliomas of the larynx are rare lesions that are often confused with other primary and secondary laryngeal neoplasms. Location in the subglottis is exceptionally rare. These lesions are often misinterpreted as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Accurate microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis combined with clinical and radiographic examinations are critical for proper diagnosis. In this report, we describe a case of a recurrent tracheal paraganglioma presenting with acute airway obstruction and hemorrhage following original misdiagnosis and treatment as MTC.