Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical and pathological features of laryngeal non-squamous cell carcinoma to improve diagnosis and treatment. Method The clinical data of 11 non-squamous cell carcinoma cases, selected from 366 cases of primary malignant tumor of larynx, were reviewed. Results All the patients came from the E.N.T department of the Affiliated Drum-Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2009. The histopathology and immunophenotype were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry, including 2 adenocarcinoma, 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 2 malignant lymphoma, 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma, and 5 sarcomatoid carcinoma. Among them, the tumor located in glottic (5 cases), supraglottic (4 cases) and infraglottic regions (2 cases). All cases were confirmed by biopsy or pathologic studies after operation. Except for 2 single biopsy, other cases were diagnosed by repeated biopsy or operation. Most pathological results were chronic inflammation, inflammatory polyps, hyperplastic change, necrotic granuloma, squamous cell carcinoma and so on. All the patients underwent primary surgery except for one malignant lymphoma. Some received consecutive radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. During the follow up, 2 cases died, 3 cases lost, and others survived. Conclusion The clinical manifestations of primary laryngeal non-squamous cell carcinoma are indefinite. It is not easy to identify it with the common laryngeal tumors. Pathological study and immunohistochemistry are helpful for diagnosis. The choice of management (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or combined) depends on pathological diagnosis.

Key words: Laryngeal tumor, Non-squamous cell carcinoma, Combined therapy