Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the oropharynx: A report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Background: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the oropharynx is extremely rare, with only 42 cases reported since first identified in 1972. There is no consensus on optimal management. Methods: Two cases of oropharyngeal NEC were identified at our institution. We reviewed the presenting features, radiological findings, histopathology and management, before conducting a literature review to evaluate treatment and survival for such patients. Results: Final diagnoses were confirmed to be T2 N1 M0 poorly differentiated NEC of the left palatine tonsil and T2 N2c M0 large cell NEC of the left soft palate. Following discussion in our multidisciplinary meeting, chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy was deemed the most appropriate treatment. Conclusions: NEC of the oropharynx is a rare and aggressive condition with a poor prognosis. Standardised treatment guidelines have not yet been established but the overriding opinion favours chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. For locally advanced disease, surgery appears to have little impact on overall survival. HPV status should be checked in confirmed cases to help better understand the association between HPV and oropharyngeal NEC with regard to prognosis. *Correspondence to: Eugene G Omakobia, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Bradford, UK, Tel: 07460 319 256; E-mail: eugeneomakobia@doctors.org.uk