Age changes in the epithelial lining of the human larynx

The change in size of the larynx with respect to age was investigated. In general the female larynx grows smaller with increasing age, but there is no similar age effect in men. The incidence and extent of squamous metaplasia was also studied. Two parts of the larynx showed age-related changes: in men, metaplasia of the vestibular folds became more common with age up to the age of 60, but then became less common again. In men also, the incidence and extent of squamous metaplasia increased with ageing. These age-related changes may relate to the development of laryngeal carcinoma, an event which must be preceded by squamous metaplasia.