Primary carcinoma of the larynx in females: A case series

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In north Africa, laryngeal carcinomas remain a predominately male pathology. While in many countries the gap between men and women is narrowing. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and follow up data of a case series of 23 female patients treated for laryngeal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of a case series of 23 patients for primary carcinoma of the larynx at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of the 20 August Hospital of Casablanca, between January 2012 and September 2016, were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, radiological, surgical, and follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: 7% of all the patients treated for LC were women, The most affected age group was between 60 and 79 years (52%), 52% had no major risk factor, all patients had an epidermoid carcinoma, 48% of patients had T2 tumors. T1, T3, and T4a were found in respectively 17%, 22%, and 13%. N1 in 43% of the cases (n = 10), N0 in 35% (n = 8), N2b in 17% (n = 4), N2c in 4% (n = 1). All patients were M0. All the patients in this series have undergone surgical treatment. At 5 years, the survival rate was 83%. CONCLUSION: Since the proportions of women in published studies are limited, there are still many controversies about gender differences in laryngeal cancer. Therefore, further studies should seek a clearer understanding of factors involved in female laryngeal cancer to adopt more appropriately the measures of prevention and early diagnosis.