The Usefulness of Screening in the Early Detection of Laryngeal Cancer

Abstract

Fischinger J, MlaČak B. The usefulness of screening in the early detection of laryngeal cancer. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1997; Suppl 527: 150-151.

Opinions are divided about screening for cancer in the early stage and for hyperplastic alterations of the laryngeal mucosa which may lead to cancer. In order to form our own opinion we conducted a laryngological survey of 100 male and 50 female patients aged 30-70, employed in the textile and metallurgical industry, most of whom were smokers. In no case did we detect cancer or any abnormalities that would require immediate additional diagnostic procedures. We are well aware that caution is required in the analysis of data obtained in a sample as small as ours. Nevertheless we were to find even in this small group at risk, at least a few patients with laryngeal mucosa which could progress into cancer, yet we did not detect such changes. For this reason we concluded that screening does not always result in the hoped for outcome. It also requires much time and effort. We even question the justification of yearly examinations of the populations at risk, even though some authors consider this to be feasible. More important than screening is public health education which is primarily the responsibility of general practitioners as well as laryngologists. The population has to be educated and made to understand that surgery or radiation therapy at early stage of cancer is almost totally curable and does not result in any mutilation or invalidity.

Key Words:

• laryngeal cancer
• screening
• risk groups
• prevention of laryngeal cancer