Laryngeal Adenocarcinoma, Not Otherwise Specified, Treated with Carbon Dioxide Laser Excision and Postoperative Radiotherapy

Abstract

Glandular carcinomas of the larynx are aggressive neoplasms that comprise less than 1% of all laryngeal malignancies. Adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, is the most common histologic type. The rarity of these lesions has prohibited clarification of definitive therapy. Traditionally, radical surgery is performed because of the usually high stage at presentation and the relative insensitivity to radiotherapy. A case of glottic T1 adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, is reported. The tumor presented clinically as a vocal fold granuloma. The treatment modalities included endoscopic excision with the carbon dioxide laser and postoperative radiotherapy. The patient has been followed up for 39 months without evidence of recurrence or metastases. The current literature is reviewed in regard to treatment of laryngeal glandular carcinomas.