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Motiee‐Langroudi M, Farahzadi A, Ansari R, Saffar H, Darabi R, Abbasi M. Poorly differentiated laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasm with high serum calcitonin level, a case report, with literature review. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6751. [PMID: 36578797 PMCID: PMC9780421 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) of the larynx consists of 0.6% of laryngeal cancer and is the second most common type after squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Laryngeal NEN rarely secret calcitonin and should be differentiated from medullary thyroid carcinoma. It makes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We describe a case of a laryngeal NEN with calcitonin hypersecretion. A 59-year-old man presented to our clinic with recurrent cough, dysphonia, hoarseness, cervical mass, and significant weight loss. Diagnostic workup showed a supraglottic mass. Biopsy of the lesion revealed large-cell neuroendocrine neoplasm. Further diagnostic workup showed elevated serum calcitonin level. The patient underwent total laryngectomy, thyroidectomy, and modified radical neck dissection. During his follow-up, new subcutaneous nodules appeared that were biopsy-proven metastases. Then adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed. Laryngeal NEN with hypersecretion of calcitonin is a rare entity. In patients with elevated serum calcitonin levels and head and neck tumors, it should be considered a differential diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma. As the management and prognosis of these two neoplasms are entirely different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maziar Motiee‐Langroudi
- Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital, Cancer InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Athena Farahzadi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Cancer InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Reza Ansari
- Otorhinolaryngology Research CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hana Saffar
- Anatomical and clinical pathology, Cancer Institute, IKHCTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Rezvan Darabi
- Resident of Internal Medicine, IKHCTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mehrshad Abbasi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Valiasr HospitalTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Mete O, Wenig BM. Update from the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors: Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Head and Neck Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Head Neck Pathol 2022; 16:123-142. [PMID: 35312985 PMCID: PMC9018952 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-022-01435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review article provides a brief overview of the new WHO classification by adopting a question-answer model to highlight the spectrum of head and neck neuroendocrine neoplasms which includes epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms (neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas) arising from upper aerodigestive tract and salivary glands, and special neuroendocrine neoplasms including middle ear neuroendocrine tumors (MeNET), ectopic or invasive pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET; formerly known as pituitary adenoma) and Merkel cell carcinoma as well as non-epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms (paragangliomas). The new WHO classification follows the IARC/WHO nomenclature framework and restricts the diagnostic term of neuroendocrine carcinoma to poorly differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms. In this classification, well-differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms are termed as neuroendocrine tumors (NET), and are graded as G1 NET (no necrosis and < 2 mitoses per 2 mm2; Ki67 < 20%), G2 NET (necrosis or 2-10 mitoses per 2 mm2, and Ki67 < 20%) and G3 NET (> 10 mitoses per 2 mm2 or Ki67 > 20%, and absence of poorly differentiated cytomorphology). Neuroendocrine carcinomas (> 10 mitoses per 2 mm2, Ki67 > 20%, and often associated with a Ki67 > 55%) are further subtyped based on cytomorphological characteristics as small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. Unlike neuroendocrine carcinomas, head and neck NETs typically show no aberrant p53 expression or loss of RB reactivity. Ectopic or invasive PitNETs are subtyped using pituitary transcription factors (PIT1, TPIT, SF1, GATA3, ER-alpha), hormones and keratins (e.g., CAM5.2). The new classification emphasizes a strict correlation of morphology and immunohistochemical findings in the accurate diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasms. A particular emphasis on the role of biomarkers in the confirmation of the neuroendocrine nature of a neoplasm and in the distinction of various neuroendocrine neoplasms is provided by reviewing ancillary tools that are available to pathologists in the diagnostic workup of head and neck neuroendocrine neoplasms. Furthermore, the role of molecular immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic workup of head and neck paragangliomas is discussed. The unmet needs in the field of head and neck neuroendocrine neoplasms are also discussed in this article. The new WHO classification is an important step forward to ensure accurate diagnosis that will also form the basis of ongoing research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, 11th floor, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Endocrine Oncology Site, The Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Bruce M Wenig
- Department of Pathology Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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Feola T, Puliani G, Sesti F, Modica R, Biffoni M, Di Gioia C, Carletti R, Anastasi E, Di Vito V, Centello R, Lenzi A, Isidori AM, Faggiano A, Giannetta E. Laryngeal Neuroendocrine Tumor With Elevated Serum Calcitonin: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge. Case Report and Review of Literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:397. [PMID: 32765421 PMCID: PMC7378381 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare group of NENs of the neck, which commonly show immunostaining for calcitonin. Laryngeal NENs with calcitonin hypersecretion and lymph node metastases represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, which should be included in the differential diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We report a complex case of laryngeal NEN with calcitonin hypersecretion and a review of the literature. Case Presentation: A 59-year-old man presented with dysphagia, dyspnea, and lateral cervical mass; he was a smoker. At first imaging, a laryngeal lesion with lateral cervical lymphadenopathies was found, and it resulted as a moderately differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (G2), Ki67 = 5%, positive for calcitonin. Increased levels of serum calcitonin (50 pg/ml) were found. The patient started somatostatin analogs for lesions positivity to somatostatin receptor-based imaging. After 5 months, the disease progressed at 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET-CT, and also new painful cutaneous lesions occurred. Considering high serum levels of calcitonin, differential diagnosis with MTC was required. Patient performed a thyroid color Doppler ultrasound, nodule fine needle aspiration, calcitonin dosage in fine needle washout fluid, and a calcium gluconate stimulation test. After multidisciplinary evaluation, we decided to perform a total thyroidectomy associated with lateral cervical lymphadenectomy and resection of skin metastases. No MTC was found. Two of the five resected lymph nodes, left upper parathyroid, and skin lesions were metastases of NEN G2, positive for calcitonin. After 2 months, new painful skin lesions occurred, and a target therapy with everolimus 10 mg/day was started. After 6 months of therapy, partial metabolic response with a reduction of 53.7% of radiotracer uptake at primary tumor was detected together with an improvement of patient's quality of life. Conclusions: The present case is the seventh described in the literature of laryngeal NEN associated with elevated serum calcitonin levels and the first case with parathyroid metastasis, suggesting the importance of a correct differential diagnosis between MTC and calcitonin-secreting laryngeal NEN, using an integrated approach of biochemistry and advanced imaging. This is also the first time that somatostatin analogs and then everolimus were used in this setting, resulting in clinical and partial metabolic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology, Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giulia Puliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franz Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Modica
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Biffoni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cira Di Gioia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Carletti
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Anastasi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Vito
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Centello
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Giannetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elisa Giannetta
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Vahidi S, Stewart J, Amin K, Racila E, Li F. Metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma or calcitonin-secreting carcinoid tumor of lung? A diagnostic dilemma in a patient with lung mass and thyroid nodule. Diagn Cytopathol 2017; 46:345-348. [PMID: 29124912 DOI: 10.1002/dc.23852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine tumors are rare and have been reported in literature as case reports or case series in various organs including lung, pancreas, larynx, bladder, and ovary. These tumors have similar cytologic features and immunohistochemical profile to medullary thyroid carcinoma and thus it is difficult to distinguish them, especially when calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine tumors are intermediate or higher grade and there is a mass lesion in the thyroid gland. Here, we report a rare case of calcitonin secreting atypical carcinoid tumor of the lung in a patient with thyroid nodule. However, after extensive ancillary studies on the thyroid gland, no tumor was detected and subsequent resection specimen revealed a pulmonary atypical carcinoid tumor with metastasis to level 11 lymph node. Being aware of this entity has significant clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications and can prevent unnecessary thyroidectomies with subsequent possible morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifteh Vahidi
- Cytopathology Fellow, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455
| | - Jimmie Stewart
- Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455
| | - Khalid Amin
- Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455
| | - Emilian Racila
- Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455
| | - Faqian Li
- Professor of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455
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6
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[Thyroid C cells and their pathology: Part 2: Medullary thyroid carcinoma]. DER PATHOLOGE 2016; 36:254-60. [PMID: 25917773 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-015-0017-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
All tumours with C cell differentiation are designated as medullary carcinomas (MTC). MTC occur sporadically (75-80%) or hereditary (20-25%), the latter being part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Familial MTC, which is commonly preceded by "neoplastic" C cell hyperplasia, is caused by autosomal-dominant inherited germ line mutation of the RET-protooncogene; dependent on the codon affected by the mutation, patients show substantially different clinical courses. Due to its morphological heterogeneity, the immunohistochemical demonstration of calcitonin is mandatory for the diagnosis of MTC. For early diagnosis of MTC calcitonin screening has been introduced in Germany and Austria approx. 10 years ago in patients with thyroid nodules; however, an increased calcitonin serum level may also be caused by "non-MEN2-associated" C cell, which is not regarded as a precursor of sporadic MTC. Very rarely tumours may show a mixed C cell-follicular cell differentiation.
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Calcitonin-Secreting Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Larynx with Metastasis to Thyroid. Case Rep Endocrinol 2015; 2015:606389. [PMID: 26491576 PMCID: PMC4600946 DOI: 10.1155/2015/606389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx are rare, with moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (MDNC) being the most frequent histologic type. We report a MDNC in a 57-year-old gentleman with an enlarging right-sided neck mass. Flexible fiberoptic exam revealed a right arytenoid lesion. Histology from excisional biopsy was concerning for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) versus NET of the larynx. Immunohistochemistry was diffusely positive for calcitonin and CEA and focally positive for TTF-1. Serum calcitonin was elevated. Thyroid ultrasound was unremarkable. The patient underwent laryngectomy, thyroidectomy, and neck dissection. Pathology showed neuroendocrine carcinoma of right arytenoid with positive cervical lymph nodes. A 4 mm deposit of NET was present in right thyroid with adjacent intravascular tumor consistent with thyroidal metastasis from a primary laryngeal NET (MDNC). MDNC and MTC can be microscopically indistinguishable. Both tumors can stain positively for calcitonin and CEA. TTF-1 staining has been useful to help distinguish these tumors as it is strongly and diffusely positive in MTC, but usually negative (or only focally positive) in MDNC. We report the fourth case of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx associated with elevated serum calcitonin level and the first such case associated with metastasis to the thyroid.
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Abstract
The human thyroid gland contains less than 0.01-0.1% calcitonin producing and secreting C cells, which in men are almost exclusively situated in an intrafollicular location; the vast majority of C cells are embryologically derived of remnants of the ultimobranchial body and ultimately of the neural crest, a small subset, however, is presumed to originate from endodermal stem cells. Thyroid tumours with C cell differentiation have been named medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); calcitonin is also produced and secreted by MTC which makes this peptide hormone a very useful serum marker both for early detection and clinical follow-up of patients with MTC. About 70-80% of MTC are sporadic tumours, whereas 20-30% are familial MTC which are autosomal-dominant inherited and caused by germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene located on chromosome 10. This article summarizes the histological, immunhistochemical and molecular genetic features of C cells, C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) and MTC, emphasizing the role of diagnostic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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van der Laan TP, Plaat BEC, van der Laan BFAM, Halmos GB. Clinical recommendations on the treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx: A meta-analysis of 436 reported cases. Head Neck 2014; 37:707-15. [PMID: 24596175 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current recommendations on the treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx (NCL) are based on anecdotal evidence. With this meta-analysis, our purpose was to provide clinicians with more substantiated guidelines in order to improve the treatment outcome of the patients affected with NCL. METHODS A structured literature search for all research concerning NCL was performed against the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Available data was normalized, pooled, and statistically analyzed. RESULTS Four hundred thirty-six cases of NCL were extracted from 182 studies, of which 23 were typical carcinoid, 163 were atypical carcinoid, 183 were small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, 29 were large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and 38 were unspecified carcinoid tumors. The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 100% for typical carcinoid, 53% for atypical carcinoid, 19% for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and 15% for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (p < .001). Patients with an atypical carcinoid treated with surgery had better DSS than those treated with radiotherapy (60% vs 54%; p = .035). Postoperative radiotherapy did not result in better DSS in atypical carcinoid. Patients with an atypical carcinoid, not undergoing surgical treatment of the neck, developed isolated regional recurrence in 30% of cases (p = .001). Radiochemotherapy yielded the best DSS for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma compared to other modalities (31% vs 13%; p = .001). CONCLUSION Typical carcinoid can be treated by local excision alone. Atypical carcinoids do not seem to respond well to radiotherapy and are best managed through radical surgical excision in combination with elective neck dissection. Patients with small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma seem to benefit most from chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom P van der Laan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Ferlito A, Devaney KO, Rinaldo A. Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx: Advances in identification, understanding, and management. Oral Oncol 2006; 42:770-88. [PMID: 16815077 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2006.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 01/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
While 85-90% of laryngeal malignancies prove to be squamous carcinomas, the second most common tumour type found in the laryngeal region will prove to be a member of the family of neuroendocrine tumours. Laryngeal carcinoid tumours have a capacity for metastasis, and so are more aggressive tumours than their light microscopic features might imply--5-year survival rates are in the vicinity of 50%. Laryngeal atypical carcinoid tumours are lesions with a well-recognized capacity for local recurrence as well as metastasis, with a 5-year survival of just under 50%. Laryngeal small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are particularly aggressive tumours, with a 5-year survival of no more than 5-10%. Laryngeal paragangliomas are lesions without any real capacity for metastasizing. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment of carcinoid tumours, atypical carcinoid tumours, and paragangliomas. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are chiefly treated by way of radiation and chemotherapy; the role of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of atypical carcinoid tumours remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfio Ferlito
- Department of Surgical Sciences, ENT Clinic, University of Udine, Policlinico Universitario, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, I-33100 Udine, Italy.
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Hirsch MS, Faquin WC, Krane JF. Thyroid transcription factor-1, but not p53, is helpful in distinguishing moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Mod Pathol 2004; 17:631-6. [PMID: 15098009 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma/atypical carcinoid tumor is the most common nonsquamous malignancy in the larynx; however, due to morphologic overlap and calcitonin immunoreactivity, it can be difficult to distinguish from thyroid medullary carcinoma. Currently, low serum calcitonin is the most reliable means for distinguishing primary laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma from metastatic medullary carcinoma. Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is positive in at least 80% of medullary carcinomas, but has not been evaluated in laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. Additionally, it has been suggested that p53 is positive in laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas and negative in other neuroendocrine tumors, but this has not been validated. The purpose of this study was to determine if the immunohistochemical markers TTF-1 and p53 could be used to discriminate between laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas and thyroid medullary carcinomas. Eight laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas and 10 thyroid medullary carcinomas were identified from the archival files of the BWH and MGH Pathology Departments. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed, and immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies to calcitonin, TTF-1, and p53. Calcitonin immunohistochemistry demonstrated immunoreactivity in 100% of laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (N=8) and 100% of thyroid medullary carcinomas (N=10). There was weak, focal immunoreactivity with TTF-1 in one of eight (13%) laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, whereas nine of ten (90%) medullary carcinomas were positive for TTF-1, with strong diffuse staining in seven of these cases (78%). p53 was positive in three of six (50%) laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, and three of ten (30%) medullary carcinomas. Our data demonstrate that immunoreactivity for TTF-1, but not calcitonin or p53, may be helpful in distinguishing laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma and thyroid medullary carcinoma. In particular, diffuse and/or strong TTF-1 immunoreactivity favors a diagnosis of primary thyroid medullary carcinoma over laryngeal moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Hirsch
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Ferlito A, Barnes L, Rinaldo A, Gnepp DR, Milroy CM. A review of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx: update on diagnosis and treatment. J Laryngol Otol 1998; 112:827-34. [PMID: 9876371 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215100141830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx have been divided into those of epithelial or neural origin. The latter consist of paragangliomas while the epithelial origin group can be divided into the typical and atypical carcinoids and small cell neuroendocrine carcinomata, the latter consisting of the oat cell type, the intermediate cell type and the combined cell type. There are now over 500 cases of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx in the literature. The diagnosis is primarily based on light microscopy, and, in some instances, it may be supported by special histochemical studies. It should be confirmed by immunocytochemical and/or ultrastructural investigation. The different biological behaviour of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx makes a specific diagnosis of paramount importance, since treatment depends on diagnostic accuracy. Typical carcinoid is an extremely rare lesion. It is treated preferably by conservative surgery; elective neck dissection is not necessary because of the lack of lymph node metastases at diagnosis. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have not been effective in the limited number of patients treated thus far. Prognosis is excellent with cure following surgery. Atypical carcinoid is the most frequent non-squamous carcinoma of the larynx. The mainstay of treatment is surgery. Elective neck dissection should be performed because of the high likelihood of cervical lymph node metastases. Primary radiation therapy with adjuvant chemotherapy is not indicated. The survival rate is 48 per cent at five years and 30 per cent at 10 years. Although the larynx is one of its most common extrapulmonary sites, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is still a rare tumour. Surgical results for this tumour have been disappointing and is reserved for cases of local relapse with no evidence of metastasis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy currently appear to offer the least disabling and most effective forms of therapy. The two- and five-year survival rates are 16 per cent and five per cent, respectively. Paraneoplastic syndromes have occasionally been reported in association with carcinoid tumours (typical and atypical) and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. There have been also rare reports of an elevated neuropeptide serum level. Paraganglioma is the only laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasm with a female preponderance (3:1). Confusion with atypical carcinoid has led to incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate classification schemes, erroneously suggesting that laryngeal paraganglioma has the potential for aggressive behaviour. Conservative surgery represents the treatment of choice; elective neck dissection is not necessary, and the prognosis is excellent.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferlito
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Udine, Italy
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