Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To review the clinical and pathological picture of laryngeal paragangliomas and compare laryngeal paragangliomas with the three other types of laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms.

STUDY DESIGN:

The study presents a case review of a patient with a subglottic laryngeal paraganglioma treated at our institution, with a literature review of the laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms. Included is a review of all four neuroendocrine neoplasms, taking a close look at a comparison between laryngeal paragangliomas and atypical carcinoids tumors. All cases of subglottic laryngeal paragangliomas reported in the literature were also compiled and tabulated.

METHODS:

The patient's record was reviewed for age, symptomatology, workup, and surgical procedures performed.

RESULTS:

The patient was disease free 36 months after undergoing a tracheostomy for airway control, followed by a cricoid split for complete excision of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS:

It is important to differentiate among the four laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms, especially between atypical carcinoids and paragangliomas. Each tumor requires different treatments, with the former requiring a more aggressive approach. Paragangliomas must be completely excised to prevent their recurrence, and this approach should be considered a curative treatment. In addition, the immunohistochemical battery is of paramount importance in obtaining the correct pathological diagnosis.