Determinants and prognosis of laryngeal cancer.

The evidence demonstrating the strong effects of tobacco and alcohol on laryngeal cancer risk is consistent and compelling. Furthermore, investigations indicate that joint exposures to tobacco and alcohol interact to elevate laryngeal cancer risk above what would be expected if these risk factors had merely additive effects. Occupational findings indicate that a few occupational groups may be facing a greater risk of laryngeal cancer from occupational exposures; this increased risk is not entirely due to alcohol drinking and smoking habits. All patients with laryngeal cancer are at higher risk of developing a second primary tumor; therefore, their treatment and follow-up should be judicious.