Primary and secondary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx: A review

Abstract

Primary laryngeal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) is an unusual malignancy accounting for <0.5% of laryngeal carcinomas. To date, approximately 200 cases of primary and 5 of secondary SCNC of the larynx have been reported. This tumor most often presents in the sixth and seventh decades in men who are heavy cigarette smokers. The lesion may be associated with different paraneoplastic syndromes (ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome, Schwartz-Bartter syndrome or syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, and Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome) or with ectopic hormone production. The diagnosis is based essentially on the histologic appearance of the tumor, confirmed by immunocytochemical investigations. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimens offer potential for long-term survival. This tumor is biologically aggressive, and the extent of the disease is the most significant independent prognostic factor of survival. The survival rate is similar to that with pulmonary SCNC.

Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx: what do the different histologic types really mean?

“…Very few patients with laryngeal small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas survive for 5 years after initial diagnosis. The survival rates are similar to those for small cell lung cancer [8] and do not correlate with the tumor size [9].…”

Primary neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma in larynx: case report and literature review

“…Most of the patients are between 60 to 70 years of age, with the male population being more commonly affected 5 . Heavy smoking is the most important risk factor involved in tumor etiology 6 . Clinical presentation is nonspecific, sharing similar features to other types of laryngeal carcinomas.…”

Management of small cell carcinoma of the bladder: Consensus guidelines from the Canadian Association of Genitourinary Medical Oncologists (CAGMO)

“…1 These tumours are aggressive, present with early metastasis and are associated with a poorer prognosis compared to non-small cell lung cancer. 2,3 Extra-pulmonary SCC was first described by Duguid and Kennedy in 1930 4 and subsequently has been reported in the gastrointestinal tract, 5 head and neck 6 and genitourinary (GU) system. 7 SCC of the GU system (SCCGU) are uncommon, but can occur in the kidneys, 8 renal pelvis, 9 ureter, 10 bladder, 7 urachus, 11 urethra 12 and prostate.…”