Laryngeal cancer and asbestos

A 10-year material of laryngeal carcinomas was studied retrospectively. The chest X-rays were examined for pleural plaques (PP), which are a reliable sign of earlier asbestos exposure. In 14 of 156 available chest X-rays typical PP were found; a significantly higher incidence that expected in the region (p less than 0.001), but in agreement with earlier studies, which are reviewed. It is suggested that all patients with laryngeal carcinoma should be questioned about exposure to asbestos, and that in patients occupationally exposed to asbestos, the occurrence of laryngeal carcinoma should be considered an occupational disease.