Pathologic Differentiation Between Radiosensitive and Nonradiosensitive Malignant Neoplasms of the Larynx

Primary malignant neoplasms of the larynx are for the most part carcinomas. The small remaining percentage is largely made up of angiosarcomas and lymphosarcomas. A discussion of the pathologic differentiation between radiosensitive and radioresistant malignant neoplasms can be limited for practical reasons to carcinoma. The differentiation between radiosensitive and radioresistant tumors is based on their response to the action of roentgen rays or of radium. Radiosensitivity is the resultant of many factors, some of which are not understood today. Undoubtedly one of the most important factors is the technic, i. e., the type and dose of radiation employed. This fact is clearly brought out by the recent success in the treatment of cancer of the larynx by roentgen rays, especially since new time factors, spacing and protraction of the irradiation according to the principles of Coutard have been employed. The efficacy of radiotherapy on certain types of tumors can reliably