Definitive radiotherapy for squamous carcinoma of the larynx

Cancers of the larynx affect about 12,000 persons annually in the United States and have the highest incidence among the cancers of the head and neck region. Radiotherapy has a long history of use in treating laryngeal carcinoma, either alone (definitive radiotherapy) or in combination with surgery. In general, early-stage cancers can be managed by single-modality therapy, whereas late-stage disease often requires a combined approach. The most important factors in choosing an optimal treatment for a particular patient are the stage and site of disease. Other factors, such as age, social and economical status, coexisting disease, functional outcome, and treatment-induced side effects, should also be considered.