Primary and secondary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx: a review

Abstract

Primary laryngeal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) is an unusual malignancy accounting for <0.5% of laryngeal carcinomas. To date, approximately 200 cases of primary and 5 of secondary SCNC of the larynx have been reported. This tumor most often presents in the sixth and seventh decades in men who are heavy cigarette smokers. The lesion may be associated with different paraneoplastic syndromes (ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome, Schwartz-Bartter syndrome or syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, and Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome) or with ectopic hormone production. The diagnosis is based essentially on the histologic appearance of the tumor, confirmed by immunocytochemical investigations. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimens offer potential for long-term survival. This tumor is biologically aggressive, and the extent of the disease is the most significant independent prognostic factor of survival. The survival rate is similar to that with pulmonary SCNC.