The success rate of voice rehabilitation with VP was 94%. In primary TEP, the success rate was 97%, whereas in secondary TEP it was 78%; 2 years later, it was 96% and 75%, respectively. A tendency for a higher success rate in voice rehabilitation after TL was observed in primary TEP. The use of xRT and age of patient had no influence on the success rate.

Findings in the present study have confirmed that the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx (NETL) requires that a panel of neuroendocrine markers and electron microscopy be performed. This means that the clinician must be aware of the clinical presentations of such patients and should send fresh biopsy specimens to the clinical laboratory for optimal tissue studies. As shown in this study, the possibility of misdiagnosis of an atypical carcinoid tumor (ACT) is rather high. In establishing a diagnosis, a part of the material should be fixed for conventional histology, a part for immunohistochemistry and a part for electron microscopy. The correct diagnosis of NETL is obviously of great importance for subsequent treatment and prognosis. Patients with the diagnosis of ACT of the larynx require surgical treatment. Our findings also show that small-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx should be considered to be a disseminated disease at initial presentation. A metastatic workup is necessary, but radical surgical procedures should be avoided. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is always indicated.

Tendency to greater success rate in voice rehabilitation after TL with primary TEP was observed. Postoperative XRT and age did not influence success rate.

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