Moderately Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Case Report and Review of the Literatures

Abstract

The moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (MDNC) are rare tumors in the larynx. Most patients present with hoarseness and dysphagia. Commonly, these tumors have vascular or lymphatic invasion. High mitotic rate, necrosis and nuclear pleomorphism are also frequent. Once patients develop regional or distal metastasis, they usually had high mortality with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, these tumors have high tendency of regional or distal metastases, so MDNC is considered as an aggressive tumor in the larynx. Early diagnosis determines the treatment plan and outcome. Surgical removal is generally advised as the treatment of choice, and radiation therapy may have a benefit in survival. We present a 59-year-old non-smoking man with MDNC of the left supraglottic larynx, cT1N0M0, stage Ⅰ. The patient received surgical excision (pT1N0M0, stage Ⅰ) and post-operative radiation therapy (6300 cGy/35 frs). There was no evidence of recurrence for 19 months. Neither dysphasia nor hoarseness was complained. Currently, he had regular follow-up in the out-patient department.