Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx

Abstract

The clinical and histopathological characteristics of seven cases of Moderately Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (MDNEC) and two cases of Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (PDNEC) have been reviewed. The tumours arose in the supraglottis of predominantly elderly men. Two cases had raised levels of urinary 5-hydroxy-indole-acetic acid at presentation but no case developed the carcinoid syndrome. PDNEC were histologically identical to the oat cell type carcinoma of the bronchus and were associated with an extremely aggressive clinical course with both patients dying of widespread metastases within one month of registration. MDNEC also metastasized frequently with four of seven cases dying with widespread disease. The tumours have previously been reported as not being radiosensitive; however three cases remain free of disease following biopsy and radiotherapy alone. The place of radiotherapy in the management of these tumours is discussed.