Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is cancer of the larynx, the voice box at the top of the windpipe. Asbestos is a recognized cause: the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded in 2012 that there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes cancer of the larynx.

Origin

Case reports linking asbestos and laryngeal cancer appeared in the 1960s and 1970s. A 2006 review by the U.S. Institute of Medicine found the evidence sufficient to infer a causal relationship, and IARC reached the same conclusion in its 2012 review (Monograph 100C), alongside its finding for ovarian cancer.

Significance in Asbestos Context

Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and smoking and heavy drinking are the major causes, so defendants usually argue those instead of asbestos. The asbestos link is strongest in heavily exposed workers. In the trust system, laryngeal cancer falls in the "other cancer" category, which generally requires evidence of bilateral asbestos-related disease (asbestosis or pleural disease) as well as exposure; without that, these claims are usually denied, and approved ones pay much less than mesothelioma or lung cancer claims. Lawsuits are possible but depend heavily on the strength of the exposure evidence.

Example Sentence

He developed cancer of the larynx after thirty years as a pipefitter, and his chest CT also showed bilateral pleural plaques.

Related Terms

IARC Classification, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Laryngoscopy, Pleural Plaques, Synergistic Effect, Disease-Free Survival

Notes

• Ask your doctors to check for and record any signs of asbestos-related lung or pleural disease, which trusts require for this cancer.
• Give your lawyer a full smoking and drinking history; it will be raised by the defense either way.
• Keep the pathology report confirming the cancer type.