LYMPHOEPITHELIAL CARCINOMA OF THE LARYNX, HYPOPHARYNX, AND TRACHEA

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx, hypopharynx, and trachea is a rare neoplasm composed of large, poorly differentiated, nonkeratiniz ed cells intermingled with small nonneoplastic lymphocytes and plasma cells. It is histologically similar to its more common counterpart occ urring in the nasopharynx. In contrast to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, mo st cases have not been associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), altho ugh rare cases have been reported to be EBV-positive. The diagnosis of ten requires immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy for confirmat ion. The neoplasm seems to behave in a fashion reminiscent of nasophar yngeal carcinoma. Lymph node metastasis occurs in the majority of pati ents, and eventual visceral dissemination occurs in one fourth. Radiot herapy is the main treatment for the primary tumor and regional metast ases, but chemotherapy is indicated for more advanced disease. The ini tial stage is the primary determinant of prognosis. Death from disease occurs in about one third of patients.