Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Rare Clinicopathological Entity

• Main Authors: Muhammad Faisal, Sabrina Hartenbach, Annemarie Schratter, Wolfgang J. Köstler, Hannes Kaufmann, Rudolf Seemann, Claudia Lill, Sasan Hamzavi, Arno Wutzl, Boban M. Erovic
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Cancers
• Subjects: head and neck neoplasms; larynx; hypopharynx; Epstein–Barr virus; human papillomavirus
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/12/9/2431

(1) Background: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx is a rare tumor with fewer than 50 cases in the published literature. We present a literature review to discuss the clinical findings, viral or genetic associations, diagnostic challenges, histopathological findings and therapeutic aspects of the disease. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed through MEDLINE/PubMed from 1968 to 2018. We identified 21 studies comprising 46 patients. Data on all the clinicopathological features, diagnostic modalities, treatment options and viral or genetic etiology were extracted and analyzed using SPSS. (3) Results: The mean age of presentation was 64 years (range 40–82 years) and mostly involved males. The supraglottis and pyriform sinus were the most commonly involved sub-sites, with surgery as the preferred treatment modality. The presence of the Epstein–Barr virus possibly directs a viral etiology. The incidence of cervical and distant metastasis was 54% and 21%, respectively. The median survival time was 30 months. (4) Conclusions: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the hypopharynx is an aggressive tumor with a strong predilection for regional and distant metastasis. Surgery, in combination with adjuvant therapy, provides promising results. Immunohistochemistry helps in differentiating LEC from other pathologies.