Small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the larynx: review of the literature and report of a case.

The case study of a patient with small cell anaplastic carcinoma (oat cell) of the larynx is detailed and the literature is reviewed. Small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the larynx has been demonstrated to be histologically identical to small cell anaplastic carcinoma of bronchogenic origin. The aggressive biologic behavior of this tumor justifies managing small cell anaplastic carcinoma as a systemic disease. Because of early widespread dissemination of tumor, surgery or radiotherapy alone or in combination have not been successful in controlling the disease. The combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy has been shown to be the most effective approach to the treatment of small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung. We believe that a similar regimen should be considered the treatment of choice for small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the larynx.