[Study of selected problems of epidemiology of laryngeal cancer in the Western Pomerania based on the data of patients hospitalized at the Otolaryngological clinic, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine, in Szczecin l978-l987].

At the Clinic of Otolaryngology PMA in Szczecin the laryngeal cancer occurred in 1079, i.e. 76.9%, patients hospitalized in the years 1978-1987 due to malignant neoplasms. The men constituted 90.3% of the patients. The mean age of the affected men during the investigated period was 56.4 years, and that of the women 55.0 years. The most numerous occupational group among men was made up of farmers and forresters as well as workers employed in industry. It was revealed that in 60.3% the tumour was localized in epiglottis, in 38.3% in the glottic area, and in 1.2% in subglottis. Supraglottic localization of the tumour was preponderant in patients who abused alcohol, performed their work under poor atmospheric conditions and stemmed from rural population, in younger age compartments. As many as 64.6% of patients displayed the localization advancement of the tumour T3-T4, T1-T2 and claimed 35.4% of cases, mainly involving the glottis. The habit of cigarette smoking was reported by 92% of men and 85% of women, while the alcohol was abused by 84.9% of men, and 65% of women. Prior to admission to the clinic 63.5% of patients underwent no medical treatment. It was disclosed that 84.8% of patients were seeking medical help because of hoarse voice. The appearance of symptoms ranged most frequently from 3 to 8 months, regardless of the primary focus localization of the neoplasm, sex and the age of the patient. The highest morbidity rise was recorded for towns in Gorzów Voivodeship. But the highest incidence rate was observed in villages and towns in Szczecin Voivodeship.