Learning Objectives
- Describe incidence and risk factors for head and neck cancers
- Be able to identify “warning symptoms” of laryngeal cancers
- Be able to perform basic work up for a suspected laryngeal or head and neck cancer
- Identify when it is appropriate to refer a patient to ENT for symptoms concerning for a laryngeal cancer
- Describe normal airway anatomy. Be able to identify anatomic differences between tracheostomy and laryngectomy.
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Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer can effect the way that patients eat, breathe, communicate and look externally.
Early diagnosis and treatment leads to improved survival and often less morbidity of treatment.
Laryngeal Cancer
In 2022, American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for laryngeal cancer cases in the United States were:
Laryngeal Cancer in Mississippi
Mississippi has the 4th highest incidence of laryngeal cancer in the United States
Incidence of 4.6 cases per 100,000 people
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal Cancer occurs most commonly in the vocal cords or glottis (60% of the time).
It can occur in the area above the vocal cords called the supraglottis (35%).
Rarely does it occur in the area below the vocal cords (subglottis).
Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Hypopharyngeal cancer is located in the lower part of the throat and connects the throat to the esophagus.
Hypopharyngeal cancers are more rare with only 2,000-4,000 cases per year in the United States.
Although rare, hypopharyngeal cancers often present late due to more vague, indolent symptoms.
The hypopharynx is located posterior to the larynx. Due to this close anatomic relationship many advanced hypopharyngeal cancers will involve the larynx as well.
Quiz
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