Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study compared treatments and outcomes between patients younger than 70 years and those aged 70 years or older (elderly) with laryngeal cancer (LC). METHODS: Data were collected from Brazilian hospital records between 2000 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 38,978 patients were analysed, of whom 8,803 (22.6%) were ≥70 years old. Elderly patients were more frequently diagnosed at early stages (39.3% vs. 28.9%; p<0.001). However, these patients were 15% less likely to undergo surgery, 46% less likely to receive chemotherapy, and 33% less likely to receive combined treatments. In addition, elderly patients were 35% more likely to receive supportive care only. CONCLUSIONS: Despite early diagnosis, elderly patients received fewer oncological treatments and more palliative care.