A Case Report of a Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Subglottis
Abstract
Small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a type of cancer affecting the subglottic region of the larynx.Subglottic carcinomas represent only less than 5% of laryngeal cancers, with SmCC accounting for only 0.5%. This case report highlights a patient with a rapidly-progressing laryngeal growth that caused a significant airway obstruction within a period of three weeks. Further investigation revealed that the patient was suffering from a rare form of laryngeal neoplasm, which was consistent with a diagnosis of a limited stage primary SmCC of the subglottis. He was then started on a regimen of radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide) for a duration of two months. Response to therapy was rapid, with a reduction in tumour size. A combination of radiotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy is currently the modality of choice for treatment, with recent data showing that surgery has a limited role in laryngeal SmCC.
All permissions were obtained. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise except as described below, without the permission in writing of the publisher.
Copyright © 2019 Trinity Student Medical Journal
Copying of articles is not permitted except for personal and internal use, to the extent permitted by national copyright law.