Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx: A report of two cases

Abstract

Abstract. Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is extremely rare, worldwide. From January 1994 to January 2014, all cases of laryngeal ACC that were diagnosed in the four largest hospitals in Hainan province, were reviewed. Only two such cases were identified. The first patient had a tumor in the subglottic region and the second patient, in the glottic region. The patient with subglottic ACC, who had experienced ongoing symptoms for 3 years, had previously been diagnosed with asthma, at a local hospital. Both presented at an advanced stage. The patient with subglottic disease received a total laryngectomy with a positive surgical margin, was treated with adjuvant radiotherapy, and later succumbed to a pleural effusion as a result of pulmonary metastases. The patient with glottic disease received a partial laryngectomy and declined adjuvant radiotherapy. Subsequently, she developed recurrent disease and passed away following an episode of asphyxia at 14 months post-surgery. Each of these cases had a poor prognosis at presentation. For patients with locoregionally advanced laryngeal ACC, more effective management strategies are required.

Difficult Airway caused by a Subglottic Tumor: A Case Report

“…According to the origin, laryngeal cancer is divided into three subtypes, supraglottic, glottic and subglottic, and airway obstruction are more frequently associated with subglottic tumors 3 . It makes a serious problem for airway management.…”

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx in a 70-year-old patient: A case report

“…Patients with subglottic cancer show dyspnea, whereas common symptoms of glottis implications are dyspnea and a hoarse voice. Subglottic tumors are rare and associated with stridor and airway obstruction ( 12 ). In the present clinical case, an initial glottic and supraglottic lesion infiltrating the left true vocal cord and left ventricle caused hoarseness (due to vocal cord compromise) and dysphagia associated with ear pain for 1 year ( 10 ), and subsequently, the major extension of the lesion to the subglottic region resulted in dyspnea (due to airway obstruction) over the last month.…”

“…Notably, the metastasis rates of ACC located in the base of the tongue (19.2%), mobile tongue (17.6%) and mouth floor (15.3%) are higher than that of ACC of the larynx ( 15 ). In addition, clinical investigations have shown that the incidence of ACC with distant metastasis ranges from 35 to 50%, and leads to 5-year survival rates ranging from 12–17% following surgery ( 12 ). The lungs are the most common site of distant metastasis from ACC ( 15 ).…”

“…ACC of the larynx occurs more commonly in middle-aged or older patients, evolving slowly and with patients mainly developing dyspnea. In addition, it is considered a highly invasive cancer with a high recurrence rate and an incidence of distant metastasis ranging from 35 to 50%, resulting in a low long-term survival rate ( 12 ). It has been well-documented that the most common site of distant metastasis from ACC is the lung.…”

“…Laryngeal ACC is characterized as a slowly-growing tumor with symptoms that are dependent on the location of the tumor. For example, certain patients present with dyspnea, while patients with lesions that involve the true vocal cords present with hoarseness and dysphagia that is associated with ear pain ( 12 ). Distant metastasis is observed in 35–50% of ACC cases and most commonly occurs in the lungs ( 2 ).…”