[The influence of age on the course and prognosis of carcinomas of the larynx and hypopharynx].

On the basis of clinical impressions only, the authors had felt the carcinomas of the larynx and hypopharynx were probably graver in young subjects than in the elderly, and that age was a determinant factor in therapeutic decisions. 585 records including 216 carcinomas of the piriform fossa and 369 carcinomas of the larynx were studied over a period of 8 years. This study failed to reveal any difference related to age between populations aged less than 60 years and more than 60 years, both with regard to the prevalence of carcinomas whatever the siten the presence or absence of nodes, histological spread, loco-regional prognosis and actuarial survival. The latter parameter was studied by establishing the distribution between patients aged less than 55 and those 55 and over to obtain equivalent groups in terms of numbers. Overall, the prognosis seemed to be rather better in the younger patients, which would imply a therapeutic attitude independent of age.