Metastatic Cancer to the Larynx: A Case Report and Update

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe a case of colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the larynx and provide a review of the current literature.

Methods: A case report with chart review was performed. A review of the current literature was performed by systematically searching PubMed, OVID, CINAHL Plus, and EMBASE.

Results: In 1988, a comprehensive literature review identified melanoma as the most common neoplasm to exhibit laryngeal involvement. Since that study, 41 subsequent cases have been reported, and among these, colorectal adenocarcinoma was the most frequent distant primary (24%). In 25 (58%) cases, curative surgery was attempted, but only 4 patients remained disease-free at last follow up. We report the history of a 52-year-old man who presented with rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to his larynx 4 years after definitive treatment of the primary site.

Conclusions: In patients with a laryngeal mass and a history of colorectal cancer, or those at high risk of having an occult colorectal primary, metastatic spread to the larynx must always be considered. Although secondary laryngeal metastasis portends a poor prognosis, for the select patient, surgical intervention can provide long-term disease control.