Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Larynx and Hypopharynx Carcinoma: a Comparative Study in the Hainaut and Review of the Literature

AbstractIntroduction : The epidemiology and clinical picture of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas have changed significantly in the past 50 years. The aim of this study was to analyze selected epidemiological and clinical characteristics of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods : A complete chart review of all patients records was conducted. All the patients who were diagnosed as having laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2009 were included in the study. The demographics of the patient population, the disease profile were analyzed.Results : 138 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal disease were treated. 76 patients presented a laryngeal cancer. Disease characteristics indicated that most cases of supraglottic cancer were in a locally advanced stage (84,4%), whereas most patients with glottis cancer were diagnosed with early stage (63,3%). A hypopharyngeal cancer was diagnosed in 62 cases. A significant increasing trend in hypopharyngeal cancer ha...