Lymphoepithelioma (undifferentiated carcinoma) of the laryngohypopharynx

Lymphoepithelioma (World Health Organization type 3, undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharyngeal type) is an extremely rare cancer in the laryngohypopharyngeal regions. We found reports of only 6 such tumors in the English language medical literature; 1 of the 6 was from our institution. We report four additional cases seen at the Mayo Clinic. Radiotherapy controlled disease at the primary site in three of the four cases. The neoplasm has a propensity for early, widespread dissemination. Three of our four patients died of extensive visceral and nodal metastases. One patient has survived eight years without a recurrence.