Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma disguised as asthma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with laryngeal involvement can lead to significant airway obstruction and compromise. This case report details a female patient in her 60s with a history of asthma who presented with refractory dyspnoea and persistent hoarseness, initially attributed to asthma. After multiple emergency room visits and treatment with bronchodilators and steroids, further investigation revealed an exophytic mass in the larynx, diagnosed as SCC. Despite normal pulmonary function tests, imaging indicated significant airway narrowing. The patient underwent a tracheostomy to secure her airway and was subsequently referred for curative surgery. This case underscores the importance of considering HNSCC in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms, regardless of smoking history, and highlights the need for thorough investigation to prevent complications from advanced disease. Early multidisciplinary intervention is crucial in managing such cases effectively.