ANATOMY
The larynx is made up of three sections. The glottis which is has the vocal cords. The supraglottis including the epiglottis and the sub-glottis which attaches to the trachea. It is made up predominantly of cartilage.
PATHAPHYSIOLOGY
The larynx is a dynamic structure and serves four functions. The first is as an airway to the lungs. The second is a valve preventing aspiration and fumes from entering the lungs and this includes the cough reflex. The larynx is the generator of the voice and also acts in leverage for eg. picking up weights.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
In the United States, there were over 13000 cases of laryngeal cancer in 2023 with 4000 deaths to laryngeal cancer in the same year. In South Africa and Africa, the incidence is probably far higher. The male / female ration is approximately 3 to one and occurs in the age group 50’s and 70’s.
ETIOLOGY (CAUSES)
Causes can be genetic where there may be a family history of laryngeal cancer. The main causes however are extrinsic and related to smoking, made far worse by alcohol consumption. The tumour is normally as squamous carcinoma. There are other causes of laryngeal cancer including fumes, e.g. petrol or paint inhalation, radiation, reflux and asbestos inhalation.