A comparison of paraganglioma, carcinoid tumor, and small-cell carcinoma of the larynx

Laryngeal paraganglioma, carcinoid tumor, and small-cell carcinoma are rare. Histologically they are similar to analogous tumors in other locations but may be difficult to identify in small biopsy specimens. We compared the light microscopic, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic features of two laryngeal paragangliomas, one carcinoid tumor, and six small-cell carcinomas. The paraganglioma chief cells stained with Grimelius stain and for chromogranin and neuron-specific enolase. The carcinoid tumor cells stained with Grimelius stain and for chromogranin, serotonin, neuron-specific enolase, and keratin. The small-cell carcinoma cells stained for keratin and neuron-specific enolase. The patients with paragangliomas and carcinoid tumor remain healthy through 20 months of follow-up. Four of the patients with small-cell carcinomas have died. Distinction between these tumors is warranted by differing histologic appearances, staining characteristics, and biologic behavior.