Supraglottic NUT Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma is a very rare cancer that occurs in relatively young patients. In this study, we experienced a case of laryngeal NUT carcinoma that followed a rapid course. A 22-year-old woman was diagnosed with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma, cT3N2bM0. She underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (total dose, 70 Gy; 2 Gy × 35 Fr; 80 mg/m² every 3 weeks with CDDP) as a curative treatment and achieved a complete response. However, 3 weeks after the completion of CRT, she presented to the outpatient clinic complaining of abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a huge neoplastic lesion in the right ovary. Abdominal right adnexal resection plus partial retreatment was performed. The pathology of ovarian tumor was poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and NUT protein was positive. The laryngeal carcinoma was also positive for NUT protein; therefore, we diagnosed ovarian tumor is metastasis from supraglottic carcinoma. Peritoneal dissemination was observed in the early postoperative period. She was refractory to subsequent chemotherapy and had a rapid progression. Subsequently, CT showed further thickening of the peritoneum, increased ascites, and increased metastases. She died 32 weeks after initial diagnosis and 14 weeks after abdominal surgery. NUT carcinoma is difficult to diagnose without suspicion. Therefore, the possibility of NUT carcinoma should be considered in young patients with laryngeal carcinoma.