Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx: report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Although adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the minor salivary glands, it seldom occurs in the larynx. Less than 0.25 per cent of all laryngeal carcinomas are adenoid cystic, and only 15 such cases of supraglottic origin are recorded in the literature. In only four cases the details of treatment and outcome are described. We report another case and review the literature in order to define the entity of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. This case reveals the aggressive nature of the disease, which is often associated with the solid variant histology and also demonstrates the most rapid course of any cases described in the literature. Other histologic variants of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx follow a more prolonged course that can extend many years even with persistent local disease. However, development of distant metastases may eventually occur. Therefore, 5-year statistics are not adequate, and 10 or 20 years' follow-up is required to evaluate the curability of this disorder. Evaluation, treatment, and clinical course of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx are discussed.