Laryngeal Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Cause, and Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer

Anthony B Law; Nicole C Schmitt

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2022.12.001

Laryngeal Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Cause, and Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2023 Apr;56(2):197-203. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2022.12.001.

Authors

Anthony B Law¹, Nicole C Schmitt²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street Northeast, 11th Floor Otolaryngology, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street Northeast, 11th Floor Otolaryngology, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street Northeast, 11th Floor Otolaryngology, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street Northeast, 11th Floor Otolaryngology, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. Electronic address: nicole.cherie.schmitt@emory.edu.

PMID: 37030934
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2022.12.001

Abstract

Laryngeal cancer is declining in incidence in many parts of the world, as smoking becomes a less common habit. However, challenging cases of laryngeal cancer still exist and require expertise from otolaryngologists. This article reviews the relevant anatomy and lymphatic drainage pathways of the larynx because they pertain to cancer spread. The molecular and immune landscapes of laryngeal cancer, which are tightly linked to smoking, are also discussed.

Keywords: Genomics; Laryngeal cancer; Molecular biology; Smoking.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Laryngeal Neoplasms* / etiology
Larynx*
Molecular Biology
Risk Factors
Smoking / adverse effects