Moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx

Laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (LMDNEC) is an aggressive and uncommon malignancy. Thorough histological evaluation is the key to correct diagnosis and differentiation. Complete surgical resection of laryngeal primary lesions and suitable neck dissection of cervical nodes provide reasonable therapy, and postoperative radiotherapy should also be considered.

To explore the diagnosis and treatment of LMDNEC.

Clinical information regarding patient, presentation, immunohistochemical results, treatment, and outcome was obtained through review of patients' charts. Follow-up until the time of death or last contact with us was obtained for all patients.

Eight patients (six males, two females) were pathologically confirmed to have LMDNEC between 2000 and 2008 in our hospital. Patients presented with throat pain, hoarseness, dysphagia, and neck mass, and all tumors originated in the supraglottis. Six of the eight patients (all males) had a history of cigarette smoking. Pathologically, the tumors frequently had positive immunoreactivity for Chg A (6/8), Syn (7/8), NSE (7/8), and CK (8/8). Two patients died of distant metastasis and tumor recurrence in the neck, respectively, the other six cases were still in follow-up.