Primary, combined, atypical carcinoid and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: a new variety of composite tumour.

OBJECTIVE

We report the first case of a laryngeal composite tumour consisting of a squamous cell carcinoma combined with an atypical carcinoid.

METHODS

Case report and review of the literature concerning laryngeal composite tumours.

RESULTS

Primary laryngeal carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the upper aerodigestive tract. The vast majority are of the squamous cell type. Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms represent a rare, heterogeneous subset of laryngeal malignancies, comprising typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, small cell carcinoma and paraganglioma. Primary combined neuroendocrine and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is even more rarely encountered, with only 14 publications of this so-called composite tumour to date. In each case, the neuroendocrine component has been small cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of primary neoplasms comprising more than one histological type is tailored to the most biologically aggressive tumour. Accurate diagnosis of the histological nature of laryngeal composite tumours is imperative to ensure optimal therapy.