What is the most common risk factor for laryngeal neoplasm?

What is the most common risk factor for laryngeal neoplasm?

• A. HPV infection.
• B. Smoking.
• C. Asbestos exposure.
• D. Alcohol use.

Answer: (B)

Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage the squamous epithelium lining the larynx, driving mutations that lead to squamous cell carcinoma, the typical histology of laryngeal neoplasms. Risk increases with both duration and intensity of smoking, and alcohol use adds a synergistic effect that further elevates cancer risk when combined with tobacco. HPV infection is more strongly linked to cancers of the oropharynx (such as the base of the tongue and tonsils) than to the larynx. Asbestos exposure is more closely associated with mesothelioma and certain lung cancers, not the primary driver of laryngeal cancer.

Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage the squamous epithelium lining the larynx, driving mutations that lead to squamous cell carcinoma, the typical histology of laryngeal neoplasms. Risk increases with both duration and intensity of smoking, and alcohol use adds a synergistic effect that further elevates cancer risk when combined with tobacco.

HPV infection is more strongly linked to cancers of the oropharynx (such as the base of the tongue and tonsils) than to the larynx. Asbestos exposure is more closely associated with mesothelioma and certain lung cancers, not the primary driver of laryngeal cancer.