Carcinogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma

Experimental models have been developed for the induction of carcinoma of the larynx and for the study of its pathogenesis. The hamster has been the animal of choice. Polynuclear hydrocarbons, administered intratracheally, induce mostly squamous cell carcinomas. Diethylnitrosamine given systemically induces papillary tumors; some other N-nitroso-compounds given topically or systemically also induce laryngeal tumors, including carcinomas. Cigarette smoke inhalation induces preneoplastic and early neoplastic lesions of the larynx, including some invasive carcinomas. In vivo and in vitro methods have been developed for the morphological and biochemical study of target tissues in respiratory epithelial carcinogenesis to identify critical pathogenetic steps and their inhibition. These methods are now applicable to the in vitro study of human laryngeal epithelium and its susceptibility to cancer induction and prevention.