Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas are uncommon head and neck malignancies. Their classification is still debated. We report four cases of unusual primary locations of neuroendocrine carcinomas of head and neck region emphasizing two entities and rare sites that were never described in the literature to the best of our knowledge. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We reported four different cases of neuroendocrine carcinomas (nasal cavity, larynx, lymph nodes and tonsil) treated in our institution. The diagnosis was made by biopsy and confirmed by Immunohistochemical study. We underscored 2 atypical and rare entities in their location and anatomo histopathological type. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were proposed for patients with nasal's and laryngeal locations. This latter had also undergone surgery. For lymph node location, the patient received decompressive radiotherapy alone. The patient diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the tonsil didn't get any treatment except initial tonsillectomy for diagnosis purposes. Regarding the evolution in our case series, 2 patients had a relapse with local and regional metastasis. Among the 4 patients, 50 % passed away, one is still alive with deterioration of his general status and one is lost to follow-up and refused undergoing further investigations. DISCUSSION: There is confusion in the literature regarding the classification of neuroendocrine carcinomas. According to the 2005 WHO, these lesions, can be subdivided into TC, AC (including LCNEC), SmCC, combined SmCC with nonsmall cell carcinoma, and paraganglioma. Their treatment is still debated. Through an overview of the literature, we have gathered the main studies and 2 meta-analysis summarizing the mainstay treatment and disease's outcome. CONCLUSION: Neuroendocrine carcinomas of head and neck region are aggressive tumors with poor prognosis, low incidence and their diagnosis is not obvious. The treatment protocol depends on the type, the site of the lesions, and metastasis status. It's still not well codified.