Laryngo-pharyngeal carcinoma in childhood
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Updated: Oct 4, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
C Barnes1, M Sexton, A Sizeland
1Clinical Fellow in Haematology and Oncology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
Laryngo-pharyngeal carcinoma is rare in children. We present two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the laryngopharynx in children less than 15 years of age. Both patients presented with a prolonged history of symptoms and extensive disease at diagnosis. Early visualisation the vocal cords with flexible larygnoscopy is important in children presenting with symptoms suggestive of laryngeal pathology. Long-term complications of definitive local therapy for laryngopharyngeal carcinoma are important in young children. Evidence from studies in adult patients suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy may play a role in laryngeal preservation in a select group of patients.
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