ObjectiveLaryngeal cancer is an important oncologic entity, whose prognosis depends on establishing appropriate preventive and diagnostic measures, especially in populations at higher risk. MethodsEpidemiologic information including worldwide incidence, prevalence, burden of health loss (disability-adjusted life year; DALYs) and mortality of larynx cancer was obtained from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) database. ResultsThe current incidence, prevalence and mortality of laryngeal cancer are estimated at 2.76 cases/year per 100,000 inhabitants, 14.33 cases/year per 100,000 inhabitants and 1.66 deaths/year per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, averaging 3.28 million DALYs each year. Incidence and prevalence have increased by 12% and 24%, respectively during the past 3 decades, whilst mortality has declined by around 5%. The epidemiologic burden of this malignancy is approximately 5-fold higher in males and increases in parallel with ageing, peaking after 65 years of age. Both incidence and mortality rates are higher in Europe and lower in Africa, but the ratio between deaths and incidence is the highest in Africa. Incidence has gradually declined in Europe during the past 3 decades, whilst it has increased in South-East Asia and Western Pacific. Cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse contribute for about 90% of overall worldwide mortality for laryngeal cancer. ConclusionsLaryngeal cancer still poses a high clinical and societal burden, with an escalating temporal trend not expected to reverse soon.

Objectives. Vocal fold paralysis can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze, in terms of vocal improvement and motility recovery, the post-vocal treatment results of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) who underwent early voice therapy. Study design. A 7 years prospective study of patients with an UVFP who underwent our multidimensional diagnostic-therapeutic assessment. Material and Methods. Seventy-four patients with UVFP were included in the study. All patients underwent a voice therapy based on forcible exercises supplemented by manipulations and maneuvers. A pre and post-treatment objective voice evaluation and self-assessment was made. Results: Out of 74 patients with UVFP, 51 (68.9%) recovered vocal fold motility. In 23 (31.1%), UVFP persisted after voice therapy. In this group of patients, a complete glottal closure was seen in 5 before voice therapy and in 13 after; An important and significant (p <0.0001) reduction in fundamental frequency (F_o) was found; a manifest improvement was seen for the mean values of Jitter (Jitt%; p = 0.001), Shimmer (Shim%; p <0.0001) and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR) (p <0.0001). The same statistical comparisons calculated for male patients alone was not significant for Jitt% (0.102), Shim% (0.112) and NHR (0.155), as a result of the reduced number of patients in this group. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) values showed a clear and significant improvement and mean maximum phonation time (MPT) increased significantly. Conclusion. Early voice therapy based on an energetic approach, combined with patient co-operation, motivation and understanding through educated participation in the voice restoration process, strengthen the idea that patients with UVFP have a good chance of recovering vocal fold motility or improving their voice quality.