[Primary larynx carcinoid. Case report and review of the literature]

Neuroendocrine tumours of the larynx are extremely rare. Only 20 cases of laryngeal carcinoid tumours have been reported. Since histological diagnosis is difficult, this unusual neoplasm was often misdiagnosed as an undifferentiated carcinoma. The case of a 72-year old man is reported, who was admitted to hospital after suffering from hoarseness and left-sided otalgia for 4 weeks. Indirect laryngoscopy showed a tumour at the left ary region. The tumour was removed endoscopically. The light and electron microscopic characteristics and the results of the histochemical examinations are reported. In a review of the literature, the data of the 19 previously published cases are discussed together with those of the present case.