[Causes of delayed treatment of patients with cancer of the larynx and hypopharynx in the north-eastern region of Poland].

Early diagnosis and treatment of the larynx and hypopharynx cancer is crucial in connection of the therapeutic effects and prognosis. However, our experiences pointed out that the patients came too late for treatment, sometimes several months after the beginning of symptoms. They always revealed at this moment of the first consultations more advanced local lesions and metastases in the neighbouring regions. We analysed the material of 184 patients treated in ENT Clinic of Medical Academy in Białystok according to the delayed reporting to treatment. The reasons of the delayed reporting were also evaluated. The misdiagnosis was not the main reason of the delayed treatment.