[Neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx]

The location of neuroendocrine tumors in the larynx (NETL) is atypical and relatively rare. It has become possible to determine increasing numbers of these tumors in recent years owing to improvements in immunohistological methods. Extensive recommendations were made with regard to diagnostics and treatment by the "European Neuroendocrine Tumor Group" in 2004. These recommendations relate mainly to the very much more frequent gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and cannot be applied directly to NET of the larynx. This is why precise scientific investigations of NETL and publications of new cases are important.

Retrospective review of all laryngeal malignancies treated from 1994 to 2004 revealed a NETL in three of about 1000 patients. These patients were evaluated with regard to clinical symptoms, tumor locations, immunohistological findings and the clinical courses.

Evaluation of the patients (incidence 0.23%: average age 58 years: female to male 1:2) revealed a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in two patients and a moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in one patient. After surgical treatment and radiochemotherapy, the patients with a poorly differentiated carcinoma survived for seven and 17 months respectively and the patient with a moderately differentiated carcinoma survived for 30 months. The patients investigated showed findings consistent with those of previously published cases with regard to the parameters investigated.

NETL require more extensive staging investigations and a specific treatment adapted to the subtyping. Treatment at specialized centers with publication of individual cases is desirable to extend and deepen knowledge.