[Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma--the patient's perspective]

Carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx are the most often head and neck malignancies. The make diagnosis of the disease early and established the best methods of treatment for individual patients is important just the same as a good relation between doctor and patient. The subject of the study has been patient's judgements about quality of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up procedures. 60 patients (10 women and 50 men) has been inquired with contents the same list of questions. All patients have been treated because of carcinoma of the larynx and laryngopharynx during last 5 years in the Department of Otolaryngology Medical Academy in Warsaw. The authors analysed all answers for questions. The general conclusions have been definite: the patient's knowledge about laryngeal and pharyngeal anatomy and functions is minimal, also they know not much about neoplasm disease and cigarettes and alcohol harmfulness. The patient's opinion at doctor's professional authority was good. It seems to be necessary to do much more to improve people health education especially wholesome behaviour.