Carcinoid tumor of the larynx: the role of conservative therapy.

Carcinoid tumors of the larynx are an extremely rare condition, universally malignant, and unresponsive to radiation and chemotherapy. Just over 20 cases have been reported in the literature to date. Treatment is adequate surgical excision. The number of these tumors reported should increase due to the use of electron microscopy and immunohistologic techniques in making the diagnosis. This paper illustrates the role of conservative laryngeal surgery, when appropriate, as an effective form of therapy. The basic pathologic diagnostic criteria are illustrated.