CBO-richtlijn 'Larynxcarcinoom'

- The guideline ‘Larynx carcinoma’ aims at preventing divergent views on the treatment of different stages of larynx carcinoma between the major referral centres.

- Strict criteria are proposed for the radiological diagnostic procedures and the pathology report in order to accurately classify the patient in the appropriate prognostic category.

- Taking into consideration possible subsequent treatments, surgery - preferably by laser - is proposed for severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. For all other stages the treatment of choice is radiotherapy as a larynx conserving therapy.

- Only in cases of massive tumour volumes with invasion through the laryngeal skeleton where the chance of cure is low with radiotherapy, surgery is the treatment of choice.

- Minimal criteria are described for rehabilitation and supportive care.

- Due to the relative rarity of the disease and the complexity of the treatment, all patients with a laryngeal carcinoma should be seen at least once in a dedicated head and neck clinic.