Carcinoma of the larynx in a young adult

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma of the larynx is uncommon in young adults. Persistent dysphonia despite medical treatment is generally the primary manifestation . CASE REPORT: A 21-year-oid woman with no known risk factors developed squam ous cell carcinoma of the left vocal cord. Clinical cure was considered to be achieved 40 months after external radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of carcinoma of t he larnyx in young patients with no risk factors. Treatment should take int o consideration not only the aggressive nature of these tumors hut also the long-term side effects and the major functional and psychological sequelae .