IntroductionSmall cell carcinoma/neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) of the oropharynx is uncommon. Two cases of SCNEC in an 81-year-old woman and in a 54-year-old man are presented here.Case descriptionWe have documented two cases of SCNEC arising in the oropharynx with evidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Histologically, both cases were classified as poorly differentiated SCNEC with high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios and nuclear molding. Observations using a transmission electron microscope revealed membrane-bound neuroendocrine granules in some tumor cells. Both tumors expressed high levels of p16, a surrogate marker for high-risk HPV infection. HPV infection was confirmed in both cases using HPV polymerase chain reaction analysis; HPV subtype 16 was identified in one case and HPV subtype 18 in the other.Discussion and EvaluationSCNEC of the oropharynx is a rare and novel HPV-associated disease with neuroendocrine granules and aggressive clinical behavior.ConclusionsHerein, we present two cases of SCNEC, focusing on its histologic features and treatment modalities. More studies are required to elucidate the pathophysiology of HPV-associated SCNEC in different organ systems.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-3501-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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