Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) of the larynx is a rare neoplasm; with a review of the literature having disclosed only 34 documented cases. This neoplasm seems to behave in a fashion reminiscent of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In contrast to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, most cases have not been associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The diagnosis often requires immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy for confirmation. We describe a case of this tumor involving the supraglottis. The patient was treated with supraglottic laryngectomy and bilateral modified neck dissection. The histopathological study of the surgical specimen revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma with aspects of lymphoeptihelioma. The patient underwent radiotherapy and his 2-year follow-up showed no evidence of local or distant metastasis.