[Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx. Diagnostic features, treatment strategy, and prognosis].
BACKGROUND
Small cell carcinoma of the larynx is a rare, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). It is often diagnosed late, with delayed initiation of adequate therapy.


METHODS
The data for eight patients were retrospectively analyzed with regard to clinical information, surveillance, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.


RESULTS
The histopathologic diagnosis was made after a mean of 2.88+/-2.52 months after the first symptoms occurred. Staging and exclusion of an extralaryngeal primary was completed 1.75+/-1.7 months after the histological diagnosis. Seventy-five percent (n=6) of the patients already had regional or systemic metastases. Systemic metastases were detected in 50% (n=4) of the patients by FDG-positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Primary (n=4) or postoperative (n=3) radiochemotherapy was performed 3.07+/-1.32 months after initial diagnosis. Overall survival (n=6) was 12.83 +/-3.76 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies providing high-level evidence cannot be expected because of the low incidence of small cell NEC. Efficient diagnosis should be followed immediately by combined radiochemotherapy. As with small cell bronchial carcinoma, small cell NEC of the larynx should be regarded as a systemic disease and be treated in a similar way.
Jumah
M D
MD
Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin. masen.jumah@charite.de
Fleiner
F
F
Wendt
S
S
Pavel
M
M
Schwabe
M
M
Göktas
O
O
D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome