Primary lymphoma of the larynx: new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Tumors primary in the larynx, when not of squamous cell origin, require special diagnostic and therapeutic attention. An unexpected case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma localized in the larynx in a patient with a brief history of dysphagia and hoarseness is discussed. This supraglottic tumor was extensively characterized at our institution for morphologic features by microlaryngoscopy, histology, immunocytochemical profiles with flow cytometry, chromosomal aberrations using banded karyotyping and extent of disease via PET-CT imaging. Our detailed analysis distinguished this neoplasm as a new-onset diffuse large B cell laryngeal lymphoma rather than a mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. A rational diagnostic approach guided the combination chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatment strategy instead of traditional localized radiation therapy. These findings highlight the importance of a thorough phenotypic and cytogenetic characterization of head and neck neoplasms, which has implications for downstream diagnostic considerations, interventional strategies and the available therapeutic options. The presence of nonsquamous laryngeal tumors reinforces the dictum to obtain a reliable tissue diagnosis before initiating definitive therapy.