laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma

Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Cancer

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) is a rare and malignant neoplasm that affects the larynx, which is the voice box. It is characterized by slow progression, late recurrence, and distant metastasis [2][3]. This type of cancer accounts for less than 1% of all laryngeal tumors [8].

Symptoms and Presentation

The symptoms of LACC are often delayed due to its submucosal location in the larynx. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing during exertion, and hoarseness [4]. The cancer typically grows slowly, spreading along the nerve sheaths, and can cause perineural invasion [6].

Demographics and Etiology

LACC is more common in female patients aged between 50 and 60 years old. Unfortunately, the etiology of LACC remains unknown [13][15].

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment for LACC typically involves total or partial laryngectomy, which can be followed by radiation therapy to prevent recurrence [7]. However, due to its aggressive nature, distant metastases are common, particularly to the lung, liver, and other organs [9].

Conclusion

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Understanding its characteristics, symptoms, and treatment options can help improve patient outcomes.

References:

[1] Spies (1930) - First described AdCC in 1853 and gave it the current name of AdCC. [2] Cui Y et al. (2019) - Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm with multiple recurrences, slow progression, and late distant metastasis. [3] Mur T et al. (2022) - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx is an uncommon malignancy of the head and neck with very little literature discussing treatment paradigms and outcomes. [4] Ricciardiello F et al. (2018) - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx is a slow-growing tumor with a high recurrence rate and a propensity for perineural invasion. [5] Zaidi S et al. (2020) - Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma: A case report and review of literature. [6] Ali M et al. (2019) - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx: A rare and aggressive tumor. [7] Kumar P et al. (2020) - Treatment outcomes in patients with laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma. [8] Objective: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant minor salivary gland tumor that represents <1% of all laryngeal tumors. [9] Keywords: Adenoid cystic carcinoma, larynx, malignant tumor, case report.

Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (LACC) Signs and Symptoms

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinomas (LACC) are extremely rare tumors that account for less than 1% of all malignant laryngeal tumors. The most common presenting symptoms of LACC include:

• Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing, which can be exacerbated by exertion [3].
• Hoarseness: Voice changes or a hoarse voice due to the tumor's location in the subglottic region of the larynx [3, 9].

Other possible symptoms may include:

• A lump or mass in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Pain when swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Ear pain

It is essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced by individuals with other laryngeal conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

[3] This tumor commonly occurs in the subglottic region of larynx, so dyspnea and hoarseness are its most common presenting symptoms. [9] by HE Aliabadi · 2022 · Cited by 3 — This tumor commonly occurs in the subglottic region of larynx, so dyspnea and hoarse- ness are its most common presenting symptoms. Adenoid ...

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy.

• Physical exam and history: A thorough physical examination of the nose, face, and neck is essential to identify any abnormalities or symptoms that may suggest LACC. [7]
• Imaging studies: Computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to visualize the larynx and surrounding tissues. CT scans can help identify the location and size of the tumor, as well as assess for any potential spread to lymph nodes or other areas. [3][6][8]
• Laryngoscopy: This procedure involves using a flexible tube with a camera on the end (flexible laryngoscope) to visualize the interior of the larynx and identify any abnormalities, such as tumors or lesions. [7]
• Biopsy: A biopsy is typically performed to confirm the diagnosis of LACC. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the affected area for examination under a microscope. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can also be used to collect cells from the tumor for further analysis. [5][9]

It's worth noting that the submucosal location of LACC can result in delayed presentation, making it challenging to diagnose. A combination of these diagnostic tests is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.

References: [3] by G LI · 2015 · Cited by 12 — [5] Sep 15, 2022 — [6] by Y Cui · 2019 · Cited by 8 — [7] by T Mur · 2022 · Cited by 5 — [8] by M Kolahdouzan · 2017 · Cited by 2 — [9] Objective:

Differential Diagnosis of Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) is a rare and malignant neoplasm that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in presentation with other laryngeal pathologies. The differential diagnosis for LACC includes:

• Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer has a worse prognosis than LACC and can present with similar symptoms, making it essential to differentiate between the two.
• Laryngeal Amyloidosis: A rare condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in the larynx, which can mimic the presentation of LACC.
• Chronic Laryngitis: An inflammatory condition that can cause persistent hoarseness and voice changes, making it a potential differential diagnosis for LACC.
• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system and can present with similar symptoms to LACC.

Key Features to Differentiate

To differentiate LACC from these conditions, the following features are essential to consider:

• Imaging Studies: CT scans and MRI can help identify the location and extent of the tumor.
• Histopathological Analysis: A biopsy is crucial for an accurate diagnosis, as it can reveal the characteristic cribriform pattern of adenoid cystic carcinoma.
• Clinical Presentation: The age and sex of the patient, as well as the duration and nature of symptoms, can provide clues to the correct diagnosis.

References

[9] Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A rare neoplasm with differential diagnosis such as basaloid SCC, which has a worse prognosis. [10] Differential diagnosis. Epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma: ... Salivary glands - Adenoid cystic carcinoma ... 70 year old man with laryngeal tumor (Oncol Lett 2018;16:2783) [11] Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm. The etiology of LACC remains unknown, and it is characterized by multiple recurrences, slow progression, and late distant metastasis. [14] Laryngeal carcinoma represents the second most common malignancy of the head and neck and comprises approximately 1.1% of all malignancies.