Leiomyosarcoma of the larynx: case report with pathologic and surgical considerations

Epstein-Barr virus-associated leiomyosarcoma of the larynx in an adult patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: Case report and review of the literature

We investigated the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of laryngeal leiomyosarcoma (LLMS) and Epstein-Barr virus-associated (EBV-associated) LMS. We report a case of EBV-associated LLMS in an adult patient with HIV infection. We also conducted a review of the English-language literature on LLMS and EBV-associated leiomyosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, 62 cases of LLMS and EBV-associated leiomyosarcoma have been reported to date. Of patients with LLS, 18.9% had distant metastases and 17.0% had local recurrence. The overall 5-year survival rate was 64.0%. Distant metastases affected the survival of patients with LLMS (p = 0.04). EBV-positive patients had a low survival rate (p = 0.01). Among patients with EBV-associated LMS, 8.2% had distant metastases and recurrence and the overall 5-year survival rate was 50.0%. EBV-associated LLMS is rare. The EBV infection might be a poor prognostic factor of LLMS.

A rare association of leiomyosarcoma with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: two cases

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the histopathogenesis and treatment choices for synchronous tumours of the larynx.

CASE REPORTS

We present two cases of synchronous laryngeal leiomyosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The first case was an early-stage tumour and the second an advanced-stage tumour of the larynx. Selection of adequate treatment for synchronous tumours is difficult because of different spreading rates and metastatic patterns. Treatment choices for both the primary tumour site and the neck should be related to the stage of the squamous component of the tumour.

CONCLUSION

In such cases, the tumour location, tumour stage and lymphatic metastases must be carefully evaluated in order to make the optimum treatment choice. Treatment evaluation of the neck should be related to the stage of the squamous component of these synchronous tumours. Partial laryngectomy techniques may be preferred if the extent of the disease permits.

Laryngeal leiomyosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature

Laryngeal leiomyosarcoma (LLM) is a rare malignancy originating from the smooth muscles of blood vessels or from aberrant undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue. Histological diagnosis may be particularly difficult and correct diagnosis is based on immunohistochemical investigations and electron microscopy. A case report of a LLM in a 74-year-old man is presented. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a large glottic lesion causing airway compromise and an emergency tracheotomy was performed. Subsequent total laryngectomy confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. Lung metastases developed 8 months following treatment, despite the absence of local or regional recurrence, and the patient died 3 months later. A review of the English and French literature revealed 30 previous cases of LLM. Clinical presentation, histological diagnosis, and management of this rare malignancy are analyzed aiming to improve our knowledge regarding the best treatment modality.

Leiomyosarkom des Kehlkopfs

Leiomyosarcoma is usually found in the female genital tract, retroperitoneum, the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and subcutaneous tissues. An appearance of this malignant tumor in the larynx is extremely rare and may be difficult to diagnose. Because of its rarity, little information exists on management and prognosis. We report on a 64-year old male with a supraglottic leiomyosarcoma who was treated with supraglottic laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy. After 19 months the patient was well and free of disease. The most commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are analysed in a review of the 46 published cases of laryngeal leiomyosarcoma.

Leiomyosarcoma of the larynx: critical analysis of the diagnostic role played by immunohistochemistry

Laryngeal leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is definitely considered a rare occurrence: our exhaustive literature review disclosed to date only 45 cases (including the new case we have reported). The morphological diagnosis of laryngeal LMS may be problematic on conventional light microscopy especially in small laryngeal specimens. In the past, LMSs of the larynx were frequently confused with other spindle-cell malignant tumors. Nowadays, immunohistochemical investigations are considered necessary to distinguishing LMS from other spindle-cell tumors. On immunostaining, LMS is usually positive for muscle-specific actin and negative for cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen. In most cases, immunohistochemical study allows reliable diagnosis of LMS, but it can produce ambiguous or inconclusive results when the tumor cells lack specific immunohistochemical reactivity. In these controversial cases, LMS diagnosis has to be substantiated by electron microscopy. Distinguishing laryngeal LMS from other spindle-cell malignancies plays a role not only in academic interest. Confusion in the diagnosis of a spindle-cell laryngeal malignancy could result in inappropriate clinical management and inadequate treatment.