Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinomas (LNEC) constitute <1% of all tumours originating from the larynx and are believed to originate from pluripotential stem cells located in the submucosa of the larynx. It is hard to estimate the true incidence of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) because the WHO classification does not make a distinction between atypical carcinoid tumors and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. In the current classification, laryngeal LCNEC is considered synonymous with atypical carcinoid/moderately-differentiated (Grade II) neuroendocrine carcinoma. This distinction is clinically important as the clinical behavior and response to treatment differs greatly between subtypes. We report a rare case of metastatic LCNEC of subglottic region of larynx who is treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and a review of literature on the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors is presented.