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Occupational Cancers pp 169–179Cite as

Laryngeal Cancer

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Abstract

Laryngeal cancer affects mainly heavy smokers and excessive drinkers. The evidence for a causal association is strong for asbestos and strong inorganic acid mists. The relative risk of laryngeal cancer among workers exposed to asbestos is in the order of 1.5–2.0, with limited evidence of a gradient in risk according to duration or level of exposure. Several other agents have been suggested to increase the risk of laryngeal cancer, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, wood dust, diesel engine exhaust, and organic solvents, but the evidence is weak and inconsistent. An increased risk has been reported for occupational groups with exposure to known carcinogens (e.g., cooks, waiters, plumbers) and for other groups without clear exposure to known carcinogens (e.g., shoe workers).

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  1. Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Paolo Boffetta MD, MPH

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  1. Helsinki University Central Hospital and Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland

    Sisko Anttila

  2. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA

    Paolo Boffetta

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Boffetta, P. (2014). Laryngeal Cancer. In: Anttila, S., Boffetta, P. (eds) Occupational Cancers. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2825-0_8

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