INTRODUCTION: In last years we observe more frequently squamous cell carcinoma in patients below 45 years of age. Especially we examined patients with cancer of the larynx. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Estimation of surgical treatment of patients with cancer of the larynx under 45 years age after prior analysis of the following factors: localization of laryngeal carcinoma, local and regional advancement, the incidence of "occult metastases", the presence of metastases in the pre-laryngeal node, the regions of the neck affected by metastases. An analysis of a group of 140 patients who underwent surgery for laryngeal carcinoma in the period 1950-1998 was carried out. In all of the cases partial or total laryngectomy with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection was performed. RESULTS: In patients under 45 years of age, metastases to the lymph nodes were more frequently observed. The incidence of "occult metastases" and metastases to the pre-laryngeal node were more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: The cancer of the larynx in "young adults" is more aggressive and worse prognosis than in older patients population.
INTRODUCTION: In last years we observe more frequently squamous cell carcinoma in patients below 45 years of age. Especially we examined patients with cancer of the larynx. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Estimation of surgical treatment of patients with cancer of the larynx under 45 years age after prior analysis of the following factors: localization of laryngeal carcinoma, local and regional advancement, the incidence of "occult metastases", the presence of metastases in the pre-laryngeal node, the regions of the neck affected by metastases. An analysis of a group of 140 patients who underwent surgery for laryngeal carcinoma in the period 1950-1998 was carried out. In all of the cases partial or total laryngectomy with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection was performed. RESULTS: In patients under 45 years of age, metastases to the lymph nodes were more frequently observed. The incidence of "occult metastases" and metastases to the pre-laryngeal node were more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: The cancer of the larynx in "young adults" is more aggressive and worse prognosis than in older patients population.