Terminology and classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx

The authors discuss the terminology and classification of all neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx. After a review of the relevant literature, they suggest adopting the nomenclature recently recommended by the World Health Organization: carcinoid tumor, atypical carcinoid tumor, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and paraganglioma. This terminology is easy to apply, clinically meaningful and biologically sound. Carcinoid tumor, atypical carcinoid tumor and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma are of epithelial origin whereas paraganglioma is of neural type. The authors emphasize that it is inadequate to make a diagnosis of 'neuroendocrine tumor or carcinoma', without its proper qualification.