Carcinoma cuniculatum of the larynx: a rare clinicopathological entity

OBJECTIVE: Carcinoma cuniculatum is a rare variant of low-grade squamous cell carcinoma. We report the second case of carcinoma cuniculatum of the larynx in the literature. METHOD: Case report and review of the world literature concerning carcinoma cuniculatum of the larynx and upper aerodigestive tract. RESULTS: A histologically proven carcinoma cuniculatum of the larynx is reported in a 72-year-old man. The patient underwent a supracricoid laryngectomy with crico-hyoidopexy, and was free of disease at 70 months after surgery. We emphasise the clinical presentation, histology and therapeutic approach of this rare tumour. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the second report in the world literature of carcinoma cuniculatum of the larynx. Carcinoma cuniculatum of the larynx must be considered as a distinct 'clinicopathological entity' and close cooperation between the clinician and the pathologist is essential for the correct diagnosis of these tumour as regards to the correct classification and therapy.