Adenocarcinoma of the larynx--a distant metastasis from a rectal primary

Laryngeal metastases from remote primary tumours are uncommon. They derive mostly from melanomas or renal cell carcinomas. The generally rare laryngeal adenocarcinomas can only be classified as metastatic tumours in the presence of a distant primary of the same histology. Only five cases of a laryngeal secondary originating from adenocarcinoma of the large bowel have been reported in the world literature. A further case is presented which to our knowledge is the first to arise from the rectum, a site which suggests haematogenous tumour spread. This paper emphasizes the need for the search of synchronous metastatic disease and discusses the therapeutic options on the grounds of current management of singular colorectal secondaries.