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Atypical carcinoid of larynx: presentation with scalp metastases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Cosme Ereño*
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Hospital de Basurto, Basque Country University, Bilbao, Spain.
Jose I. Lopez
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Hospital de Basurto, Basque Country University, Bilbao, Spain.
Jose M. Sanchez
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital de Basurto, Basque Country University, Bilbao, Spain.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Cosme Ereño, Dept. de Anatomia Patologica Hospital de Basurto, Avda. de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.

Abstract

A case of atypical carcinoid tumour of the larynx in a 72-year-old woman is presented. The neoplasm was located in the supraglottic region and was first manifest by metastases to the scalp. The presence of amyloid-like material and calcitonin-positive cells were features that resembled medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Clinically, it pursued an aggressive course that led to death 58 months after diagnosis. The literature is reviewed, particularly that regarding the differential diagnosis.

Type
Pathology in Focus
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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