The Non-Squamous Cell Cancers of the Larynx

Joo, Joon Bum; Yoo, Seung Joo; Nam, Soon Yuhl; Kim, Sang Yoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The majority of laryngeal tumors are known to be SCC (squamous cell carcinoma). Non-SCC (non-squamous cell cancers) of the larynx represent a diverse spectrum of diseases with different prognosis and ratio-nales of management from SCC. Therapeutic options to these tumors depend on their histopathological characteristics and clinical behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the unique aspects of the non-SCC and to draw diagnosis and provide management options and prognostic variables. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Eleven non-SCC of the larynx from the 212 patients who were diagnosed with larynx cancer during their 3-year visits from 1997 to 2000 were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
The incidence of non-SCC was 5.2%. Pathology of non-SCC revealed 3 cases of malignant lymphoma, 2 cases of verrucous cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma one case each of basaloid squamous cell carninoma, salivary duct carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and spindle cell carcinoma. The most common site of origin was supraglottis (6 case, 56.5%), followed by glottis (4 cases, 36.4%) and subglottis (2 cases, 17.2%). Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and basaloid squamous cell carninoma were treated by chemotherapy. The remaining cases were treated with surgery followed by postoperative radio-therapy or postoperative chemotherapy. The mean follow-up period was 26.8 months (12-43 months).
CONCLUSION
Non-SCC accounts for approximately 5.2% of all malignancies of the larynx. Tissue biopsy is the most important diagnostic tool for the non-SCC of the larynx and the tissue sample must be obtained from the deep portion of the submucosal layer. Except for malignant lymphomas, the combined therapy that includes surgery would be the best method of treatment for non-SCC.