Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the larynx: Report of a rare aggressive phenotype and discussion of histogenesis

Abstract

Primary laryngeal adenocarcinomas are uncommon and typically of salivary or seromucinous glands origin. Similarly, metastatic adenocarcinoma, including intestinal origin to the larynx, is a rare occurrence. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman with odynophagia and an epiglottic mass of 2 months' duration. Physical examination revealed a large mass involving the entire epiglottis with extension to the preepiglottic space anteriorly and to the right lateral wall of the oropharyngeal/hypopharyngeal junction. Induction chemotherapy was initiated, and, after 4 cycles with no noticeable response, the patient underwent total laryngectomy and bilateral levels II to IV neck dissection. The final pathology diagnosis was primary intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the larynx. We present a primary high-stage intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the larynx and discuss its putative origin and the clinicopathologic characteristics.