Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea

Abstract

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare condition characterized by abnormalities to ectodermal derived tissues although other organs or systems are frequently involved. Patients with HED can have a number of symptoms that may lead them to present to the otolaryngologist. We present a case of a 37-year-old female with HED who initially presented with nasal obstruction but then very rapidly developed stridor due to a tracheal squamous cell carcinoma. We suggest a possible association between HED and carcinoma of the upper respiratory tract that has not previously been reported.