Endoscopic CO2 laser surgery for an atypical carcinoid tumor of the epiglottis masquerading as a supraglottic cyst.
BACKGROUND
Atypical carcinoid tumor is a neuroendocrine tumor; its occurrence in the larynx is uncommon, and clinical manifestations are rare. We report an unusual case of atypical carcinoid tumor of the epiglottis mimicking a supraglottic retention cyst.


METHODS
A 44-year-old woman complained of an intermittent globus sensation of the throat of 2 years' duration. A 1.0- x 0.8-cm cystic lesion was found over the tip of the epiglottis. A supraglottic retention cyst was initially diagnosed, and the patient was treated medically. Her symptoms persisted, so we performed a laryngoscopic biopsy, which suggested an atypical carcinoid tumor.


RESULTS
Transoral endoscopic CO2 laser surgery and bilateral elective neck dissection were subsequently performed. The 2-year follow-up did not reveal any locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis.


CONCLUSIONS
This aggressive neoplasm may cause only a few, unremarkable symptoms and masquerade as a supraglottic cyst. Endoscopic CO2 laser surgery can be used to resect this uncommon tumor, with oncologically sound results and without surgical morbidity.
Chang
Kai-Ping
KP
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, 14F, No.16, Alley 4, Lane 137, Min-Sheng E. Rd. Sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lee
Li-Yu
LY
Yeh
Albert Re-Ming
AR
Dai
Tsung-Sung
TS
Hao
Sheng-Po
SP
D000328:Adult; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome