Secondary laryngeal tumors. Report of seven cases with review of the literature

Laryngeal metastases are uncommon, particularly if we consider only secondary involvement from the remote primary neoplasm, via lymphohematogenous dissemination. In the 21-year period from 1966 to 1986, only seven cases of secondary laryngeal cancers were observed at the Department of Otolaryngology of Padua (Italy) University. A review of the world literature resulted in the identification of 113 previously reported cases. Cutaneous melanoma is the neoplasm most frequently metastasizing to the larynx, but adenocarcinoma may also often occur, especially from renal origin. A correct differential diagnosis from primary laryngeal cancer is most important. Identification of tumor location beneath intact mucosa, use of particular biochemical and histochemical stains, and electron microscopy may assist in establishing the presence of a metastatic growth. The prognosis is almost generally unfavorable because laryngeal involvement often occurs with metastases to other organs.