Review of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx

Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx are uncommon tumors of considerable scientific interest and clinical importance. They include typical carcinoid tumors, atypical carcinoid tumors, and small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. This paper considers these neoplasms from a personal experience and reviews the relevant medical literature. About 200 cases of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx have been reported. The diagnosis is based on light microscopy and is confirmed by ultrastructural evidence of neurosecretory granules. Histochemical and immunocytochemical investigations may support it. Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinomas have been reported occasionally. The histogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of these lesions also are discussed.