SMALL CELL NEUROENDOCRINE CARCINOMA OF THE LARYNX: A RARE AND AGGRESSIVE TUMOR CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: Small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNECs) of the larynx are extremely rare, representing approximately 0.6% of all laryngeal malignancies. They follow an aggressive clinical course and are a sociated with a poor prognosis.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 58 year old man with a history of heavy smoking(30 packyears)who presented with a progress ve left lateral cervical mass over one year.Clinical examination revealed cachexia (ECOG 2),a 10-cm left cervical mass,and a tracheostomy. CT imaging demonstrated a left glotto supraglottic mass invading adjacent structures,with ipsilateral necrotic jugulocarotid lymphadenopathy.Direct laryngoscopy confirmed involvement of the left hemilarynx.Histology and immunohistochemistry showed SCNEC(CK+, chromogranin+,synaptophysin+,TTF1,rare p40 expression). The disease was staged T2N1M0. The patient received two cycles of cisplatin etoposide chemotherapy.The clinical course was marked by severe dysphagia, rapid deterioration, and afebrile neutropenia, requiring hospitalization. The patient died the following day from cardiopulmonary arrest.

Conclusion: This case highlights the rarity, aggressiveness, and poor prognosis of laryngeal SCNEC, emphasizing the importance for early diagnosis and prompt multidisciplinary management.