Submucosal small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx detected using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography: A case report and review of the literature

A 67-year-old male presented with a metastatic carcinoma in the right side of the neck from an unknown primary site. (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed increased (18)F-FDG uptake in the right larynx and right neck lymph nodes. A smooth lesion was identified in the submucosa of the right supraglottic region via a suspension laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia. A biopsy was performed and a frozen section revealed a small-cell (SC) carcinoma. A total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection were performed simultaneously, and the pathological results demonstrated a SC neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient received chemo-radiotherapy postoperatively, however, succumbed due to distant metastasis one year following surgery.