Laryngeal Cancer: Epidemiology, Etiology, and Prevention: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Laryngeal cancer comprises 30%-40% of head and neck malignancies, and it is the most common malignancy in otolaryngology. The main risk factors for laryngeal cancer are tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, gastroesophageal reflex, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, exposure to heat, chemicals, and some viral infections. This literature review summarizes all known data over the past decade with an assessment of the main etiological factors related to cancer incidence, general measurement issues in the cancer epidemiology and the current state of science in relation to laryngeal cancer. The geographical distribution of laryngeal cancer also reveals some important aspects. Europe remains the most prevalent continent for this type of malignancy, whilst the epidemiologic burden in Africa remains low. Overall, there are clear differences in morbidity and mortality from laryngeal cancer between urban and rural areas, with gender inequalities. In some countries, the incidence rates are high in rural areas, and in some, such as in China, the urban population is more affected. High rates of laryngeal cancer are closely associated with both low average income and a high percentage of the population with lower-than-average education countries with higher Socio-demographic Index (SDI) have made greater improvements in the treatment of LC than countries with lower SDI. Epidemiological data on risk factors can provide valuable information for developing cancer prevention strategies.

Mortality for Laryngeal Cancer before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Laryngeal cancer accounts for 30-40% of all head and neck malignancies and continues to impose a major burden on healthcare and society due to its significant impact on quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Although it has previously been demonstrated that mortality from this malignancy has declined in many developed countries in recent decades [10,11], COVID-19 may have reversed this positive trend for a variety of reasons other than for the direct interplay of SARS-CoV-2 with the host immune system, including disruption of cancer screening and diagnosis, deferred or even discontinued treatments, surveillance and follow-up, and impeded access to clinical trials and innovative therapies [12]. The most obvious consequence is the delayed detection of some cancers and the diagnosis of some malignancies at a more advanced stage than in the pre-pandemic period [13,14].…”

Long-Term Complications of Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis

“…Laryngeal cancer represents 30-40% of head and neck malignancies [1]. According to the latest available data, in 2020, there were approximately 185,000 new cases of laryngeal carcinoma worldwide, and the disease was responsible for 99,840 deaths [2].…”

Laryngeal Cancer Screening During Flexible Video Laryngoscopy Using Large Computer Vision Models

“…While the need for endoscopic screening of high-risk and symptomatic individuals is clear, the medical community has not established routine laryngeal cancer screening guidelines for the wider population. 1 Flexible laryngoscopy is the primary diagnostic tool used to identify laryngeal disease. It is non-invasive, costeffective, and is typically performed in the outpatient clinic.…”

“…While the need for endoscopic screening of high-risk and symptomatic individuals is clear, the medical community has not established routine laryngeal cancer screening guidelines for the wider population. 1…”