Abstract:

Objective   To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC) of the larynx and trachea. Methods   Clinical data of 10 patients with ACC in larynx and trachea was reviewed. Among theses cases, there were 1 T1N0M0，1 T2N0M0，3 T3N0M0 of laryngeal ACC (UICC2002 TNM staging), and 1 T1N0M0, 3 T2N0M0 , 1 T3N0M0 of tracheal ACC (Bhattacharwa staging). Laryngalgia, hoarseness, cough and progressive dyspnea accompanied with stridor were the main complaints. Surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy was applied to all the cases. Total/partial laryngectomy or sleeve resection of trachea followed by anastomosis were performed for ACC of larynx and trachea. The dose of intensity modulated radiotherapy varied from 60-70Gy. Results    10 patients recovered well without complications. Neither local recurrence nor metastasis was noted during the followup from 2 months to 7 years. Conclusion   With progressive dyspnea accompanied with stridor, cough and hoarseness, ACC of the larynx and trachea features low cervical lymph node metastasis and good prognosis. It can be detected early by laryngoscope. Surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy is the best treatment for this disease.

Key words: Carcinoma, adenoid cystic, laryngotracheal, Radiotherapy, Surgery, otolaryngology