Tumors of the hypopharynx, larynx, trachea, and parapharyngeal space can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are certain tumors that are classified as atypical (uncertain or unspecified behavior) meaning that some behave in a benign manner, or some behave in a malignant manner. A majority of the tumors diagnosed via lab studies (biopsy) are benign.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an authoritative body that compiles, prepares, and publishes histological and molecular classification of tumors, via their Blue Books, based on research inputs from experts worldwide. These reference books chiefly aid in global cancer research, provide gold standards for tumor diagnosis, and help in treating cancer patients.

According to the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Head and Neck Region (2022), 5th Ed., Vol. 9, benign and malignant tumors of the hypopharynx, larynx, trachea, and parapharyngeal space are classified in the following manner:

Hypopharynx, larynx, trachea and parapharyngeal space:

• Precursor lesions
  • Squamous papilloma and papillomatosis
  • Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal epithelial dysplasia
• Squamous cell carcinomas
  • Conventional squamous cell carcinoma
  • Verrucous carcinoma
  • Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma
  • Papillary squamous cell carcinoma
  • Spindle cell squamous carcinoma
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma
  • Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx
• Mesenchymal tumors unique to the hypopharynx, larynx, trachea and parapharyngeal space
  • Laryngeal cartilaginous tumors

Additional head and neck tumor articles (on DoveMed) that are not part of WHO Classification of Tumors of the Head and Neck Region:

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) of Pharynx: It is a very rare and unusual form of throat cancer that may be observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Larynx: It is a very rare and unusual form of malignancy. The tumor is typically observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Trachea: It is a very rare and unusual form of cancer. It is normally observed in middle-aged and older adults.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) of Trachea: It is a T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that involves other parts of the body first, such as peripheral blood, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other organs, with tracheal involvement occurring much later. The condition generally affects adults.

Angiomyolipoma of Larynx: It is an extremely rare extrarenal angiomyolipoma that affects the larynx in adult men and women. An angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor that is a mixture of blood vessels, smooth muscles, and fat.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) of Trachea: It is a rare and aggressive, B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that affects middle-aged men and women. It is among the most common subtype of tracheal lymphoma.

Lymphoma of Trachea: It is an uncommon lymphoma that may be generally observed in middle-aged adults.

MALT Lymphoma of Trachea: It is rare non-gastric type of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. It typically affects the trachea (windpipe) in both children and adults.

Primary Cervical Neuroblastoma: It is a very rare form of malignancy that arises in the cervical or neck region. The tumor is mostly seen in infants and young children.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Larynx: It is a mostly benign overgrowth arising from the mesenchymal tissue. The tumor can be present in a wide age range of adults.