Carcinoid tumor of the larynx. A case report with a review of the literature.

A carcinoid tumor of the larynx is reported. The tumor was initially interpreted as a poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma and treated with irradiation. One year later a laryngectomy was performed and a carcinoid tumor was found in the resection specimen. The patient died after 2 years with disseminated disease. Carcinoid tumors in the larynx are rare. In the literature 45 cases of laryngeal carcinoid tumors have been reported. The diagnosis of this laryngeal tumor is difficult but important because irradiation is ineffective. Surgical treatment should be performed.