[CBO guideline 'larynx carcinoma']

The guideline 'Larynx carcinoma' aims at preventing divergent views on the treatment of different stages of larynx carcinoma between the major referral centres. Strict criteria are proposed for the radiological diagnostic procedures and the pathology report in order to accurately classify the patient in the appropriate prognostic category. Taking into consideration possible subsequent treatments, surgery--preferably by laser--is proposed for severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. For all other stages the treatment of choice is radiotherapy as a larynx conserving therapy. Only in cases of massive tumour volumes with invasion through the laryngeal skeleton where the chance of cure is low with radiotherapy, surgery is the treatment of choice. Minimal criteria are described for rehabilitation and supportive care. Due to the relative rarity of the disease and the complexity of the treatment, all patients with a laryngeal carcinoma should be seen at least once in a dedicated head and neck clinic.