Publication:

Clinico-etiopathological and management profile of laryngeal tumours in a tertiary care centre

Background Laryngeal tumours may be neoplastic or non-neoplastic. Our study aimed to analyze the incidence, clinico-etiopathological and management profile of laryngeal tumours.

Methods This prospective study was performed on 90 cases of laryngeal tumours in the Department of Otolaryngology in a tertiary care hospital from Jan 2015 to June 2016. A detailed clinical history was taken, head & neck examination done, and supplemented with necessary imaging when required. The data thus obtained was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results The ratio of benign to malignant tumours was 1:4. Of the benign tumours, 59% were vocal nodules. They were most common in the third decade (23.5%) and presented with hoarseness. Most patients were housewives (29%) and were associated with vocal abuse. All cases were managed surgically. Ninety seven percent of malignant tumours were squamous cell carcinoma, and seen in the seventh decade (37%). Forty one percent were labourers, and smoking, alcohol and laryngopharyngeal reflux were the predominant risk factors. The supraglottis was the commonest site involved, and dysphagia was the predominant presenting symptom. Majority of patients (42.5%) presented with stage IV disease. Malignant tumours were treated with radiotherapy (55%), chemoradiation (44%) and surgery (1%).

Conclusions Vocal nodule is the commonest benign tumour of the larynx and presents with hoarseness. The supraglottis is the main subsite to be involved in laryngeal cancer, and presents with dysphagia. Most patients present with stage IV disease. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is an important risk factor for carcinoma larynx.