Insights From the National Inpatient Sample (2016–2019) on Laryngeal Cancer Incidence and Trends

Background: Laryngeal cancer has a significant impact on speech, swallowing, and quality of life. This study aims to analyze laryngeal cancer trends using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, providing insights into its epidemiology. Methods: Data from the NIS database was analyzed for a cohort of 14,282 laryngeal cancer cases from 2016 to 2019. Baseline characteristics and demographic parameters, including primary expected payer, age groups, hospital types, and geographic regions, were examined. Descriptive statistics and trend analysis were conducted. Results: The cohort showed consistent annual case numbers (range: 3739-3948). The highest case numbers were in the 40-64 age group (average 1998 cases/year), followed by the 65-80 age group (average 1473 cases/year). Medicare was the most common primary expected payer, followed by Medicaid, private insurance, self-pay, and no charge. The cohort was roughly three times more skewed toward males, with an average of 2936 male cases per year compared to 885 female cases. Notable trends included significant positive correlations with time for urban teaching hospitals, the South region, older age group (65-80 years), and Asian or Pacific Islander individuals. However, the overall correlation between case numbers and time was not statistically significant. The primary expected payer and deaths exhibited moderate correlations with time but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the baseline characteristics and trends in laryngeal cancer incidence. The observed demographic shifts highlight the need for further investigation into underlying factors influencing case distribution. Understanding these trends can guide targeted interventions for prevention, early detection, and treatment of laryngeal cancer.