[Two cases of primary malignant melanoma of the larynx: a rare pathology]

Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord). 2013;134(2):105-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Primary malignant melanoma of the larynx is a very rare entity. There are less than sixty cases described in the literature. Through both cases, we describe and discuss the clinical management of melanoma of the larynx.

Clinical cases: Two men aged 80 and 61 years were supported for MPL. The tumor was revealed by persistent dysphonia for the first. For the second, it was a second melanoma of laryngeal location. In both cases it was performed a total laryngectomy extended to the first tracheal rings with bilateral lymphadenectomy associated with adjuvant radiotherapy.

Discussion: Excision margins with oncological safety are necessary to except a curative surgery. Still controversial, the adjuvant radiotherapy seems to provide a benefit in terms of local control. The place of targeted therapies remains unclear. However, no prognostic factor is currently clearly identified for this disease.

Conclusion: Rare tumor, the MPL is associated with a very poor prognosis. Resective surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy is for us the treatment of choice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Dysphonia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Laryngectomy
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / surgery
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant