Laryngeal cancerOverall incidence

From 2000 to 2019, a total of 104,991 cases of laryngeal cancer were documented in the US across all age groups. The most frequent subtype was SCC accounting for 94.53% of cases. Most cases were observed among NHWs (73.20%) and individuals aged 55–69 years (46.71%). The ASIRs were 5.98 (95% CI: 5.94, 6.02) and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.27) per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. Notably, NHB men exhibited the highest ASIR at 9.13 (8.96, 9.31). Over 2000–2019, there was a significant reduction in ASIRs for laryngeal cancer (AAPC: -2.50% [-2.58, -2.43]). By sex, the AAPC was − 2.70% (-2.79, -2.61) for males and it was − 2.26% (-2.60, -1.93) for females. NHB men displayed the most significant decrease in ASIRs over the period 2000–2019 (AAPC: -3.26% [-3.60, -2.92]) (Table 1). Figure 1A, B and C, and 1D represent the delay-adjusted ASIR of laryngeal cancer by histological subtypes, race, age, and sex, respectively.

Table 1 Counts and age-standardized rate of laryngeal cancer incidence per 100,000 and average annual percent change from 2000 to 2019 in the United States, by age, sex, and raceFig. 1

Delayed age-adjusted incidence rate of laryngeal cancer over 2000–2019 and in 2020 in the United States, by cancer subtypes (A), race (B), age (C), and sex (D). APC: annual percent change. * Represent p-value less than 0.05

From 2015 to 2019, there were 25,725 cases of laryngeal cancer in the US. The majority of cases were observed among NHWs (70.86%) and those aged 55–69 years (49.68%). The ASIRs between 2015 and 2019 were 4.92 (4.85, 4.99) per 100,000 for men and 1.05 (1.03, 1.08) per 100,000 for women. Among all racial/ethnic groups, NHB men had the highest ASIR (7.22 [6.94, 7.51]). There was a decrease in ASIRs over the 2015–2019 period in both men and women with an AAPC of -2.77% (-2.94, -2.67) and − 2.26% (-2.60, -1.93), respectively. Additionally, NHB men exhibited the most substantial decline in ASIRs between 2015 and 2019 (AAPC: -3.26% [-3.60, -2.92]) (Table S1).

Table S2 displays the parallel trends of laryngeal cancer during the period from 2000 to 2019.

Men

Over 2000–2019, total number of 84,088 cases (80.09%) were diagnosed in men. SCC (94.83%) represented the most frequent subtype. Most cases were in the age group of 55–69 years (47.02%), primarily among NHWs (72.52%). Notably, cases aged 70–84 years exhibited the highest ASIR among all age groups, recording a rate of 29.71 (29.36, 30.07). The incidence rates had a consistent decrease across all age groups during the 2000–2019 period, with the age group of 40–54 years had the largest decline (AAPC: -3.81% [-4.80, -3.11]) (Table 1).

Among all reported cases, 10.21% were among Hispanic men, and SCC (93.79%) was the most common subtype. The majority of cases occurred between the ages of 55 and 69 years (44.83%). The ASIR in Hispanic cases was 5.00 (4.88, 5.11) with those between 70 and 84 years having the highest delayed ASIR (29.06 [27.96, 30.19]). Hispanic individuals exhibited a significant decrease in incidence rate with an AAPC of -2.90% (-3.45, -2.31) with those aged 40–54 years having the most substantial decrease in ASIR from 2000 to 2019 (AAPC: -4.82% [-6.30, -3.36]) (Table 1).

Of all males with laryngeal cancer, 13.98% were among NHB. SCC constituted 95.13% of reported cases among NHB men, with the majority (52.80%) falling between 55 and 69 years. The delayed ASIR per 100,000 population was 9.13 (8.96, 9.31), with cases aged 70–84 years had the highest delayed ASIR (43.07 [41.51, 44.68]). There was a significant decrease in ASIR among NHB men over 2000–2019 (AAPC: -3.26% [-3.60, -2.92]), with those aged 40–54 years had the highest decline (AAPC: -5.39% [-6.62, -4.35]) (Table 1).

In NHW men, SCC was the most prevalent subtype (94.92%). The majority of NHW men were 55–69 years old (46.34%), with the highest delayed ASIR in the 70–84 age group (29.87 [29.46, 30.29]). The overall AAPC showed a decline (-2.42% [-2.52, -2.29]) with cases between 40 and 54 years having the most largest drop in ASIR compared to other age groups (AAPC: -2.79% [-4.10, -1.90]) (Table 1).

Women

From 2000 to 2019, a total of 20,903 (19.91%) cases of laryngeal cancer were documented among women in the US. Predominant number of cases were SCC (93.32%). The majority occurred among NHWs (75.97%) and individuals aged 55–69 years (45.48%). Those between 70 and 84 years had the highest ASIR compared to the other age groups (5.17 [5.04, 5.30]) and those in 40–54 age group had the largest decrease in ASIRs over 2000–2019 (AAPC: -2.45% [-4.53, -0.76]) (Table 1).

Of all female cases, 7.13% were among Hispanic women, with SCC (91.15%) and aged 55–69 years (40.78%) as the most common subtype and age group, respectively. The delayed ASIR for Hispanic women was (0.66 [0.63, 0.70]) per 100,000. Those > 85 years had the highest ASIR (3.14 [2.49, 3.91]). Over 2000–2019, there was a decrease in the ASIRs of laryngeal cancer in Hispanic women (-3.24% [-3.93. -2.06]). Individuals aged 55–69 years showed the largest decline in incidence rate over 2000–2019 (-4.10% [-5.73. -1.09]) (Table 1).

Among females, 14.69% of cases were NHB, with SCC as the most common subtype (94.13%). The majority of them was in those aged 55–69 years (50.72%). The delayed ASIR in NHB women was 1.74 (1.68, 1.80) per 100,000. Cases aged 55–69 years exhibited the highest reported ASIR (6.38 [6.07, 6.71]). NHBs experienced a significant fall in incidence rate over 2000 to 2019 (AAPC: -2.49% [-3.46, -1.52]) with individuals aged 40–54 years had the largest decrease (-4.58% [-7.13. -2.34]) (Table 1).

The majority numbers of female cases were among NHWs. SCC was the most common subtype (93.41%) and the highest numbers were in those aged 55–69 years (45.03%). The delayed ASIR in NHW women was 1.40 (1.38, 1.43) per 100,000. Those aged 70–84 years demonstrated the highest reported ASIR (5.69 [5.53, 5.85]). NHW women had a substantial decrease in ASIRs with an AAPC of -1.76% (-2.14. -1.39) and those in 70–84 age group experienced the largest decline in ASIR compared to other age groups (AAPC: -2.03% [-2.77. -1.36]) (Table 1).

Age and sex patterns

Across all racial/ethnic groups, laryngeal cancer cases were scarcely reported up to 30–34 years. Subsequently, there was a marked surge in laryngeal cancer incident cases across both sexes, with men peaking in 60–64 and women in 65–69 years. Then, both sexes experienced a decline. Regarding the incidence rate, minimal fluctuations were observed until the 30–34 age group, after which both sexes experienced a substantial increase in incidence rates, reaching its peak between the ages of 75–79 for men and 70–74 for women. In all age groups, men consistently had higher incident numbers and rates (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

Number of incident cases and delay-adjusted incidence rate of laryngeal cancer in the United States among males and females in each age group. Shaded areas are the confidence interval range for the point estimates

Coronavirus disease 2019 impacts

There was a notable decline in the ASIRs all races and ethnicities, for both males and females, and across all age groups (-11.02% [-14.64, -7.40]) for both sexes, and in women (-12.32% [-20.34, -4.30]) and men (-10.76% [-14.84, -6.69]) from 2019 to November 2020 (Table 2).

Table 2 Percent change in delay-adjusted age-standardized incidence rates of laryngeal cancer from 2019 to 2020 in all ages, by race and sex, using the November 2022 dataSquamous cell carcinomaOverall incidence

Between 2000 and 2019, there were 99,247 cases of SCC in all age groups in the US. The majority of cases were in men (80.34%), NHWs (73.27%), and aged 55–69 years (47.20%). The ASIRs were 5.65 (5.61, 5.69) for men and 1.16 (1.15, 1.18) for women. The AAPCs for men and women were − 2.69% (-2.79, -2.56) and − 2.23% (-2.57, -1.90), respectively. NHB men had the highest ASIR (8.62; [8.45, 8.79]) and Hispanic women had the largest decrease in ASIRs (AAPC: -3.62% [-4.41, -2.23]) (Table 3, Figure S1, Figure S2, and Figure S3).

Table 3 Counts and age-standardized rate of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma incidence per 100,000 and average annual percent change from 2000 to 2019 in the United States, by age, sex, and raceMen

Over 2000–2019, a total of 79,740 cases of SCC were reported in men. The majority of cases were among NHWs (72.59%) and those aged 55–69 years (47.42%). Those in the 70–84 age group had the highest ASIR (27.94 [27.59, 28.29]). The largest decrease in ASIRs was in those between 40 and 54 years (AAPC: -3.80% [-4.77, -3.10]) (Table 3).

There were 8,053 (10.10%) cases among Hispanics. The majority of them aged 55–69 years (45.05%). The overall ASIR was 4.66 (4.55, 4.77). Cases between 70 and 84 years had the highest ASIR among age groups (27.18 [26.12, 28.28]). Hispanics experienced a significant drop in ASIRs with an AAPC of -2.96% (-3.50, -2.39) with those in the 40–54 age group exhibiting the most significant drop in ASIR compared to the other age groups (AAPC: -4.91% [-6.46, -3.41]) (Table 3).

NHBs accounted for 14.03% of the cases diagnosed with SCC in men. A majority of NHB cases aged 55–69 years (53.32%). The overall ASIR was 8.62 (8.45, 8.79) per 100,000, with the highest ASIR observed in 70–84 years (40.33 [38.82, 41.88]). The overall AAPC in this groups was − 3.31% (-3.65, -2.97) with those in the 40–54 age group having the greatest drop in ASIR (AAPC: -5.39% [-6.61, -4.35]) (Table 3).

The majority of NHW cases aged 55–69 years (46.73%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population was 5.83 (5.78, 5.88), with the highest ASIR observed in cases aged 70-84 years (28.10 [27.70, 28.51]). The overall AAPC for NHWs was − 2.41 (-2.51, -2.30) representing a marked decline in ASIRs with those between 40 and 54 years having the greatest decline compared to other age groups (-2.78% [-3.96, -1.93]) (Table 3).

Women

Between 2000 and 2019, a total of 19,507 cases of SCC were reported in women. The majority of them were among NHWs (76.05%), and most of them aged 55–69 years (46.27%). Individuals aged 70–84 years had the largest ASIR (4.76 [4.64, 4.89]). Individuals < 39 years old had the greatest decline in ASIRs with an AAPC of -2.73% (-5.89, -0.48). (Table 3).

There were 1,359 (6.97%) cases among Hispanics and the majority of them aged 55–69 years (41.35%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for this group was 0.60 (0.57, 0.64). Cases among individuals 70–84 years had the highest ASIR (2.74 [2.46, 3.04]). There was a significant decrease in the ASIRs of Hispanic cases over the 2000–2019 period (AAPC: -3.62% [-4.41, -2.23]) with those between 55 and 69 years old experiencing the greatest fall in incidence rate (AAPC: -4.29% [-5.94, -0.80]) (Table 3).

NHBs constituted 14.82% of the cases of SCC in women. A significant portion of NHB cases aged 55–69 years (51.42%). The overall ASIR for NHB women was 1.63 (1.57, 1.69) with cases aged 55–69 years had the highest ASIR (6.08 [5.77, 6.39]). There was a significant decrease in ASIRs over 2000–2019 among NHB women (AAPC: -2.47% [-3.46, -1.49]) and those aged 40–54 years had the greatest decline in ASIRs (AAPC: -4.50% [-7.25, -2.07]) (Table 3).

Among women with SCC, there were 14,835 reported cases of NHWs. The majority of NHW cases were in the 55–69 age group (45.83%). The overall ASIR for NHW women was 1.31 (1.29, 1.33), with cases aged 70–84 years had the highest ASIR (5.24 [5.09, 5.40]). NHWs showed a decrease in ASIRs over 2000–2019 (AAPC: -1.71% [-2.12, -1.31]) and individuals aged 70–84 years had the largest decrease in ASIR from 2000 to 2019 (-1.97% [-2.74, -1.25]) (Table 3).

Age and sex patterns

The incident cases increased with age and peaked in 65–69 in women and 60–64 in men. In terms of the incidence rate, both sexes had a substantial increase in incidence rate after 35 years old, peaked in 75–79 for men and 70–74 for women. Men showed a higher incidence rate across all age groups (Figure S4).

Neuroendocrine carcinomaOverall incidence

Over the period spanning 2000 to 2019, there were a total of 545 cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma in all age groups. The majority of them were in men (64.22%), NHWs (75.05%), and individuals aged 55–69 years (48.78%). The ASIR per 100,000 population was 0.02 (0.02, 0.03) for men and 0.01 (0.01, 0.01) for women. There were no significant changes in ASIRs over 2000–2019 (Table 4, Figure S5, Figure S6, and Figure S7).

Table 4 Counts and age-standardized rate of neuroendocrine carcinoma incidence per 100,000 and average annual percent change from 2000 to 2019 in the United States, by age, sex, and raceMen

From 2000 to 2019, there were a total of 350 cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma reported in men. The majority of them were among NHWs (74.29%), with the highest occurrence in individuals aged 55–69 years (48.57%). None of the age groups had a significant change in the incidence rate over 2000–2019 (Table 4).

There were 28 (8.00%) cases among Hispanics. The majority of them aged 55–69 years (42.85%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for Hispanic men was 0.01 (0.01, 0.02). Cases aged 70–84 years had the highest ASIR among all age groups (0.06 [0.02, 0.14]). NHBs accounted for 12.86% of the cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma in men. A majority of NHB cases occurred in individuals aged 55–69 years (62.22%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for NHBs was 0.03 (0.02, 0.04). There were 260 reported neuroendocrine carcinoma cases among NHWs. The majority of NHW cases occurred in individuals aged 55–69 years (47.31%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for NHW men was 0.03 (0.02, 0.03) (Table 4).

Women

Between 2000 and 2019, a total of 195 (35.78%) cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma were reported in women. The majority of them were among NHWs (76.41%) and those aged 55–69 years (47.18%) (Table 4).

Among all reported cases, 13 (6.67%) were among Hispanics. The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for Hispanic women was 0.01 (0.00, 0.01). The majority of cases were individuals aged 55–69 years (66.67%), and cases over 85 had the highest ASIR (0.04 [0.00, 0.22]). NHBs constituted 17.95% of the cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma in women. Most NHB cases aged 55–69 year (48.57%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for NHB women was 0.02 (0.01, 0.02) with those in 55–69 age group showing the highest ASIR in comparison to the other age groups at 0.07 [0.04, 0.11]. Among women with neuroendocrine carcinoma, there were 149 reported cases of NHWs. Most cases among NHW individuals occurred in the 55–69 age bracket (44.30%). The ASIR per 100,000 population for NHW women was 0.01 (0.01–0.02). Moreover, those aged 70–84 had the highest ASIR at 0.05 (0.03–0.06) (Table 4).

Age and sex patterns

Both males and females showed an increase in number of incident cases after 35–39 years. It peaked in 60–64 for both sexes. Regarding the incidence rates, men and women displayed minimal to no fluctuation until the ages of 35–39 years. Then, men had an increase, peaking at 65–69 age group. Women had an increase until 60–64 with a peak in 60–74 years. There were not significant differences in incidence rate between males and females (Figure S8).

ChondrosarcomaOverall incidence

From 2000 to 2019, a total of 317 cases of chondrosarcoma across all age groups were reported in the US. The majority of them were men (73.19%), NHWs (86.44%), and individuals aged 55–69 years (41.01%). The ASIR per 100,000 population was 0.02 (0.01, 0.02) for men and 0.01 (0.00, 0.01) for women. NHW men had the highest ASIR (0.02 [0.02, 0.02]) (Table 5, Figure S9, Figure S10, and Figure S11).

Table 5 Counts and age-standardized rate of chondrosarcoma incidence per 100,000 and average annual percent change from 2000 to 2019 in the United States, by age, sex, and raceMen

Between 2000 and 2019, a total of 232 cases of chondrosarcoma were reported in men. The majority of them were NHWs (87.07%) and aged 55–69 years (41.81%). Individuals between 70 and 84 years had the highest ASIR (0.08 [0.06, 0.10]). There was no significant change in the ASIRs among the age groups over 2000–2019 (Table 5).

There were 19 (8.19%) cases in Hispanics. The majority of them aged 40–54 years (42.11%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for Hispanic men was 0.01 (0.01, 0.01). NHBs accounted for 2.59% of the cases of chondrosarcoma in men. A majority of NHB cases were in individuals aged 70–84 years (50.00%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for NHB men was 0.01 (0.00, 0.01). There were 202 reported chondrosarcoma cases among NHWs. The majority of NHW cases aged 55–69 years (44.55%). The overall ASIR per 100,000 population for NHW men was 0.02 (0.02, 0.02) (Table 5).

Women

There were 85 reported cases of chondrosarcoma in women. The majority of these cases were NHW women, comprising 84.71%, and the largest age group affected was those aged 55–69 years, accounting for 38.82% of the cases. The highest ASIR was observed in women aged 70–84 years, with a rate of 0.02 (0.01, 0.03) (Table 5).

Among all reported cases, 8.24% were among Hispanics. NHBs constituted 5.88% of the cases of chondrosarcoma in women. Among women with chondrosarcoma, there were 72 reported cases of NHWs. The majority of NHW cases aged 55–69 years (40.28%) (Table 5).

Age and sex patterns

The highest incident number and rate for men was in 60–64 and 75–79 years. For women, the incident number and rate were largest in 70–74 years. There were not remarkable differences between males and females in incidence rates of chondrosarcoma (Figure S12).