[Neuroendocrine tumors in head and neck]

NETs are benign or malign tumors, which originate from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems. 0,5-2 % of the neoplasms are neuroendocrine tumors, which are mostly located in the gastrointestinal or bronchopulmonal tract. Die incidence is about 9000/100000. 1% of the head and neck tumors are NET. This study evaluates NETs with different locations, its therapy and outcome.

14 patients with a neuroendocrine tumor of the head and neck between 2010 and 2017 were evaluated. 8 patients underwent an operation and adjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT). Five patients had a prim. RCT with curative intention. One patient had a palliative chemotherapy because of the progress after the radiochemotherapy.

The locations of the tumors are the larynx (n=7), parotid gland (n=2) and the paranasal sinuses (n=5). A resection in sano (R0) could be reached in 6 of 8 cases. The average survival rate was 19±6 months. 2 tumor recurrences occurred out of 14 patients. 1 patient died after 7 months und 1 patient is without recurrence after 32 months. 2 patients had no benefit of the combined radiochemotherapy and died after 6 and 13 months. Die overall survival depends on the stage and the R0 resection of the tumors. The R0 resection is better in comparison to the prim. according to the overall survival time.

Patients with NET of the head and neck have to be treated in specialized cancer centers. Each patient should receive an individual therapy depending on localization and histopathological findings.