Current RMA Instruments
41 of 2022 | |
42 of 2022 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Code: 161
- ICD-10-AM Code: C32
Brief description
The larynx is the upper part of the wind pipe and it includes the vocal cords. This SOP covers primary cancers arising in the larynx.
Confirming the diagnosis
The diagnosis requires confirmation with histology, with tissue obtained from a biopsy or surgery.
The relevant medical specialist is an ENT surgeon, head and neck surgeon, or oncologist.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Malignant neoplasm of the glottis, supraglottis or subglottis
Conditions excluded from SOP
- Carcinoid of the larynx#
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the larynx*
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the larynx*
- Secondary/metastatic cancer involving the larynx (code to primary cancer site)
- soft tissue sarcoma of the larynx*
* another SOP applies
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
The most common presenting symptom is change in voice / persistent hoarseness. Other symptoms include, cough, haemoptysis (coughing blood), and strider (noisy, high pitched breathing). The condition may also be found after investigation of palpable lymph nodes in the neck.
Clinical worsening
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. Appropriate management of the disease varies considerably with the type and stage of the disease and other factors. A delay in obtaining treatment could lead to a worsening of the prognosis.