Malignant laryngeal tumors in children: a 15-year experience with four patients

Malignant laryngeal neoplasms in children are uncommon and present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 15-year retrospective review of laryngeal tumors at our institution identified four patients with malignant neoplasms. These children, 7 months to 16 years of age, were treated for squamous cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor. This report details these cases, emphasizing diagnostic approaches, treatment decisions (medical oncologic management, surgical resection), and rehabilitation measures for postlaryngectomy communication. A multi-institutional pediatric head and neck tumor registry would be a useful reference to assist with individual treatment decisions.