Clinical Behavior of the Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Larynx-A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the larynx account for less than 1% of all laryngeal tumors. The unique features and clinical behavior of these rare entities remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a scoping review of every reported case of laryngeal MEC to study the clinical behavior and the treatment modalities in this rare entity.

Review methods: We followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement.

Data sources: MedLine, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were searched to identify eligible studies.

Results: We concluded with 25 studies and overall 66 cases. Our study revealed that the average age of cases was 55.7 years, and the range was from 12 to 81 years, with younger onset in females. Supraglottic (60%) is the most common subsite of laryngeal MEC s followed by glottis (27.3%). Supraglottic carcinomas frequently present with metastatic neck disease at the time of the initial diagnosis and require more extensive surgical approaches. Surgery with negative surgical margins seems to be the cornerstone in the treatment of MEC. Radiation therapy has not been tested widely as monotherapy but is considered a useful adjuvant modality.

Conclusion: This study suggests that negative surgical margins seem to be associated to higher disease control rate and that high-grade supraglottic cases likely benefit from addressing neck disease simultaneously.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 134:2578-2584, 2024.

Keywords: Oncology; head and neck; laryngeal cancer; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; scoping review.