A Rare Case of Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas in the Ear and Throat and Review of Literatures

Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Feb;101(2):117-122. doi: 10.1177/0145561320943340. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Abstract

The neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the head and neck are rare. The purpose of this article is to explore the diagnosis and treatment of NECs in the ear and larynx. We report a case of a patient with NECs found in the ear and throat simultaneously, and the relevant literatures are reviewed. It is difficult to identify which is the original site. There is no specific clinical manifestation of NECs in the ear and throat, and carcinoid syndrome is a rare situation. Surgery is still the preferred treatment for this disease. For patients with metastasis, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are required.

Keywords: diagnosis; ear tumor; larynx cancer; neuroendocrine carcinomas; therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Ear Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Otoscopy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Refusal