Carcinoma of the larynx: based upon a paper presented to the Annual Medical Conference of the Jamaica Government Medical Service, held in Kingston, December, 1951

ABSTRACT

Aetiological factors in intrinsic and extrinsic carcinoma laryngis are discussed. Intrinsic lesions declare themselves relatively early by hoarseness, and are of comparatively good prognosis. Extrinsic lesions declare themselves relatively late by dysphagia and later hoarseness and dyspnoea. Lymph-node metastasis occurs early and may be the first sign of trouble. There is a comparatively poor prognosis. Diagnosis should be by direct examination and biopsy. Skiagrams help to determine the extent. The treatment of choice at the present time in nearly every case is by surgical removal. Radiotherapy gives best results in early cordal cases, but there is a danger of perichondritis. The main disadvantage of surgery is mutilation and loss of voice, but this is usually well compensated by aerophagy in radical cases (AU)