Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the hypopharynx – a rare malignancy reviewed

Introduction:

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the hypopharynx (LECH) was first described in 1968 by Dockerty et al. With 0.7% of all hypopharyngeal carcinomas it is a rare occurance and since then there have only been occasional publications with a limited number of cases in the medical literature. Treatment is based on experience with its equivalent in the nasopharynx and only very small case series of LECH exist for reference.

Material and Methods:

We are reporting the treatment of 2 patients with LECH who presented in our institution. Initial histology, staging and treatment will be reviewed as well as follow up. We also review existing cases in literature on the background of these 2 cases.

Discussion:

LECH outside the nasopharynx are a rare occurrence. Histological diagnose must be certain prior to treatment since its very different to the routine approach to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Primary chemo radiotherapy is the mainstay of the treatment of this entity. Follow up must be close with special focus on early loco regional recurrence and distant metastasis, since more than 50% of patients present with distant metastasis in subsequent follow up. The value of EBV serology is not certain at the moment.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)