Ventriculosaccular lymphoepithelioma of the larynx: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND

Lymphoepithelioma is a very rare neoplasm of the larynx. The authors have reviewed the available published literature on the subject and found eight studies on lymphoepithelioma. Lymphoepitheliomas derive from the epithelial and lymphatic tissues of the laryngeal ventricule. The rarity of the occurrence of lymphoepithelioma makes it difficult to define its clinical features and general treatment methods.

METHODS

The authors present a description of a lymphoepithelioma located in the left laryngeal sacculus, extending into the pre-epiglottic space and infiltrating the epiglottis with an ulceration of its laryngeal surface. A total laryngectomy and a left radical neck dissection were performed. After surgery, radiotherapy treatment was applied to the left cervical and laryngeal areas. Two years after the initial radiotherapy, the patient died during palliative chemotherapy (for metastases).

RESULTS

In patients with lymphoepithelioma of the larynx, the following can be observed: (1) bulging of the laryngeal ventricule, with or without ulceration of the laryngeal surface of the epiglottic mucosa; (2) early lymph node and remote matastases.

CONCLUSIONS

In the early stages of lymphoepithelioma, radiotherapy is the method of choice. In advanced cases of lymphoepithelioma, radiotherapy supplements surgical treatment.