[Primary carcinoid of the larynx. Apropos of a case. Review of the literature].

We report a new case of primary atypical carcinoid of the larynx. This rare neuro-endocrine neoplasm of the larynx was initially mis diagnosed in 50% of the cases published. Since, characteristically these are lesions of the epilarynx causing dysphonia at early stages of development, the diagnosis should be kept in mind when the work-up for dysphonia reveals a small tumor of the epiglottis or aryepiglottic folds. The histological diagnosis should be oriented by Grimelius staining and confirmed immunoperoxidase marker studies for chromogranin and cytokeratin. Although, atypical carcinoids of the larynx are aggressive malignant tumors, the prognosis for early lesions of less than 1 cm is excellent. However, unlike early squamous cell carcinomas, these tumors do not respond well to radiation therapy. Primary surgery is the treatment of choice.