Lymphoepithelial carcinoma: a case report of a rare tumor of the larynx

Abstract

BackgroundLymphoepithelial carcinoma is a tumor mostly diagnosed in the nasopharynx, but it has also been described in a variety of nonnasopharyngeal sites. It is extremely rare in the larynx and should be distinguished from squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, it must be known by clinicians, pathologists and oncologists. In this case report, we discuss its etiopathogeny, its epidemiological, clinical, pathological and therapeutic aspects, and its outcome.Case presentationAn 81-year-old Morrocan man, smoker for 40 years, presented with a 1 year history of dysphonia, dyspnea and dysphagia. Laryngoscopy showed a mass occupying supraglottic, glottic and subglottic levels of the larynx. Cervico-thoracic computed tomography scan showed a laryngeal wall thickening with cervical lymphadenopathy. Laryngeal biopsy was performed. Microscopic analysis and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of laryngeal lymphoepithelial carcinoma. Immunostaining for LMP1 was negative.ConclusionLaryngeal lymphoepithelial carcinoma is an extremely rare and an aggressive tumor. It is rarely associated with the EBV. It must be regarded as a distinct entity. Radiotherapy is advisable as the unique therapy for local tumor. A correct diagnosis and a close collaboration between the pathologist and clinicians is mandatory for an optimal treatment strategy.

Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Rare Clinicopathological Entity

“…A variety of other names have also been attributed to this tumor category, such as undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type, undifferentiated carcinoma with lymphoid stroma, lymphoepithelioma and lymphoepithelial like carcinoma, as well as recent names like lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC). Recently, Acuna, Hammas and Kermani have highlighted the etiopathogenesis of the disease in the background of viral etiology [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…The result of the search was 36 studies, of which 8 were excluded due to descriptions of different histologies, while 7 were removed due to the presence of LECs in sites other than the larynx or hypopharynx. After a comprehensive review, 21 articles were identified in the English literature from 1968 to 2018 [ 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Clinical information, including demographics, tumor location (sub-site), presenting symptoms, treatment modalities, viral etiology, genetic mutations and survival status, were extracted ( Table 1 ).…”

A Rare Case of Sinonasal Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma Presented With Clinically Stage IV Disease

“…6,8,11 Smoking, chewing tobacco, human papillomavirus, and alcoholism do not seem to be associated with LEC. 13 Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, undifferentiated type shares the same histopathologic features as SLEC. Some authors have reported a relatively less prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in SLEC which we noticed in our case as well (Figure 2A and C).…”

Lymphoepithelial cell carcinoma of larynx masquerading as squamous cell carcinoma

“…4 But further studies are lacking to confirm the same. 10 Macroscopically, the tumor forms a mass that may or may not be ulcerated. Diagnosis can be challenging because the tumor may arise from hidden, submucosal sites.…”