ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The majority of laryngeal tumors are known to be squamous cell carcinoma. Non-squamous cell tumors of the larynx represent various spectrum of diseases with different prognosis and rationales of management from squamous cell carcinoma. Therapeutic options to these tumors depend on their histopathological characteristics and clinical behavior. To assess the unique aspects of the non-squamous cell tumors which can lead to their diagnosis and to provide considerations of management options and prognostic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight non-squamous cell tumors of the larynx including 6 malignant tumors (two malignant lymphoma, single instances of adenoid cystic carcinoma, malignant schwanoma, osteosacoma, and spindle cell carcinoma) and two benign tumor (hemangioma, spindle cell lipoma) during the 7-year period from 1990 to 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The frequently presenting symptoms were hoarseness, dyspnea, sore throat, and lump sensation in the throat. The most common origin site was supraglottis (50%), followed by glottis (38%) and subglottis (12%). All non-squamous malignancies beside non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Two benign tumors were treated with only surgery. The mean follow-up period was 37.4 months and all patients have survivied with no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that non-squamous cell tumors are a group of various pathological types and it may be possible to achieve better results with combined treatment including surgery.