A rare localization of small-cell carcinoma in head and neck area: case report

Abstract Background Small-cell carcinoma (SMCC) of hypopharynx is an extreme rare entity in the head and neck region. It commonly arising from pulmonary origin. We report a case small-cell that caused upper airway obstruction elderly gentleman. Case presentation A 67-year-old man presented to otorhinolaryngology clinic with 4-month history worsening shortness breath stridor. He was heavy tobacco smoker for 60 pack-years. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy revealed large mass at right pyriform fossa extending superiorly obstructing laryngeal inlet. underwent tracheostomy, examination under general anesthesia tissue biopsy. Histology biopsy carcinoma. The positron emission tomography-CT showed exophytic sinus regional lung pleural metastasis as well. There absence formal staging system SMCC due its limited incidence. treated combination carboplatin etoposide, similar regime cell lung. tumor regressed loco-regionally, his had shrunk sub-centimeter size. Conclusions To date, there very data available on small carcinomas guide treatment recommendations well system. Paucity clinical outcome about this malignancy makes valuable piece experience be shared together existing literature.