LARYNGEAL CANCER

EXPERIENCE OF 50 CASES TREATMENT AT FAISALABAD.

Abstract

Laryngeal cancer remained the most common malignant tumour
of the head and neck despite an increase in the tumours of the oral cavity and oropharynx in the past two decades.
However, it is the malignancy which has a high cure rate if diagnosed early and treated correctly. Objective: To
analyse the results of treatment offered to laryngeal cancer patients. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Department
of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery Unit-II Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Study Period: Nov 2003 to Oct 2005. Material
and Methods: 50 cases of laryngeal cancer were selected at random who presented with hoarseness and /or
respiratory distress in the out patient department. Majority of these patients were smokers. All these 50 cases were
analysed from treatment point of view. Results: Out of 50 cases of laryngeal cancer, 12 patients (24%) presented with
supra-glottic growth. Only one patient (02%) involved the sub-glottic region. The trans-glottic growth was noted in 16
patients (32%). We had to perform emergency tracheostomy in 19 patients (38%). 16 patients (32%) underwent total
laryngectomy as the primary mode of treatment. 18 patients (36%) were referred to oncology department for primary
therapeutic radiotherapy. Salvage total laryngectomy after primary radiotherapy failure was offered to 7 patients (14%).
It was noted that recurrence of the lesion was more in those patients who received primary radiotherapy, 9(18%)
showed recurrence in case of primary radiotherapy while 5(10%) showed the recurrence after total laryngectomy.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer pays a lot of dividends and makes the difference between life and
death. Therefore more emphasis should be made on early diagnosis.