Moderately-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare tumour of the larynx, accounting for only about 1% of all primary laryngeal tumours. Laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinomas are classified as well-, moderate- and poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. The differentiating features of each category include nuclear atypia, mitotic rate and presence or absence of necrosis. Immunochemistry stains also help in diagnosing laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma. In this article, we present a case report of moderately-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx in a 57-year-old man who presented with neck pain and dysphagia persisting for one month. There is no standard treatment regimen for laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma. However, due to the poor prognosis for moderately-differentiated laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinomas, we advocate aggressive and prompt treatment and surveillance PET-CT scan 6 months postoperatively.