Long-Term Survivor of Laryngeal Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.

Abstract

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) of the larynx is an exceptionally rare subset of laryngeal carcinoma with a clinically aggressive course and poor prognosis. Long-term survival is rare, and treatment strategies remain nonstandardized due to limited data. In this report, the authors present a case of a 51-year-old male who presented with stage IVa laryngeal SCNC and no distant metastasis, treated with a combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation, who has survived for more than 5 years. This case represented 1 of few reported instances of extended disease-free survival in laryngeal SCNC, highlighting the potential benefit of aggressive multimodal treatment, even in advanced-stage disease. In addition to diagnosis and management, this case may prompt further discussion about the role of surgery in select patients and the need for individualized, patient-centered survivorship care for management of posttreatment sequalae. Although limited to a single case, these findings underscore the need for further research into effective treatment and surveillance strategies for this rare malignancy.