URINARY ANDROGEN AND ESTROGEN EXCRETION IN MEN WITH PACHYDERMIA LARYNGIS AND CANCER OF THE LARYNX

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 73  (2) , 151-156
Abstract
Considering the larynx as a hormone dependent secondary sex characteristic has previously led to successful antiandrogentherapy of pachydermia of the vocal words, which may constitute a precancerous state. As a 1st step to further evaluate the endocrine state of patients with precancerous lesions or cancer of the larynx, the urinary excretion of 17-hydroxysteroids, 17-ketosteroids, testosterone and estrogens were determined in male patients with pachydermia laryngis (n = 15) or cancer of the larynx (n = 20) as compared to controls with different other otorhinolaryngological affections (n = 20). No difference between groups was found in 17-hydroxysteroids and no significant difference in 17-ketosteroid excretion. The pachydermia group showed significantly increased levels of testosterone (P = 0.01) and estrogen vs. controls and laryngeal cancer patients. Hormonal factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pachydermia and possibly cancer of the larynx.