Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is a known distinguishable risk factor for oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. It is essential to create a public awareness of the negative effects of tobacco on cancers.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between tobacco consumption and laryngopharynx cancer at a teaching hospital in Sangareddy.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 1000 patients who were all subjected to informed consent. The detailed clinical history and clinical and laboratory findings were obtained from the patients and collected from discharge summaries or from medical record department. Blood samples were collected for laboratory analysis of nicotine levels.

Results: Majority of the patients were between the age group of 51 and 60 years (38.5%), with male predominance (85.30%). Most of the cases had cancer in pyriform sinus (69.6%) followed by posterior pharyngeal wall (16.7%). Almost 95.1% of cases had squamous cell carcinoma. Positive nicotine levels were detected only in less number of samples.

Conclusion: Excessive and prolonged use of tobacco and its products seems to be an important factor to induct laryngopharyngeal cancers. Stoppage of tobacco consumption results in marked regression of pathologic lesions of laryngopharynx.

Key words: Tobacco; Laryngopharyngeal Cancer; Nicotine; Squamous Cell Carcinoma