Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx is very rare. Less than 0.25 per cent of all laryngeal carcinomas are adenoid cystic tumors, and only seventeen cases have been reported in the Japanese literature. In this paper, a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma originating in the supraglottic area of the larynx is reported.
A 56-year-old woman complained of cough and hoarseness of two months duration. Indirect laryngoscopic examination revealed a smooth mass involving the left false cord and arytenoid area. The pathology report was compatible with adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient underwent total laryngectomy and left neck dissection. She has remained well for the last two years with no evidence of recurrence or metastases.
We examined the resected specimens histologically by whole organ serial sectioning and discuss the evaluation, treatment, clinical course and prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx.