Laryngeal Cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx. Use of tobacco products and drinking too much alcohol can affect the risk of laryngeal cancer.
Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a sore throat and ear pain.
Tests that examine the throat and neck are used to help diagnose and stage laryngeal cancer. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. The larynx is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them. The sound echoes through the pharynx, mouth, and nose to make a person’s voice.
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The treatment approach for laryngeal cancer is primarily determined by the size of the cancerous growth. Key treatment modalities include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted cancer medications. While a dedicated cancer team will propose a recommended treatment plan based on their expertise, the ultimate decision rests with you.
The recommended treatment plan hinges on the cancer stage. For early-stage laryngeal cancer, options such as surgery (endoscopic resection) or radiotherapy alone may suffice. Larger cancers may necessitate a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Advanced stages may require more extensive surgery, potentially involving the removal of the entire larynx. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy, possibly supplemented with a targeted cancer medicine like cetuximab, may be employed in later-stage cases.
Radiotherapy utilizes controlled high-energy radiation to eliminate cancerous cells. It can be administered alone for early-stage cases or post-surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. The precision of the radiation beams requires a specially crafted plastic mask to ensure accurate targeting. Side effects may include sore skin, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, taste loss, appetite loss, tiredness, and nausea. Monitoring and management of side effects by your doctor are essential.
Three types of surgery may be employed: endoscopic resection, partial laryngectomy, and total laryngectomy. Endoscopic resection is suitable for early-stage cancer, while partial laryngectomy involves the surgical removal of the affected part of the larynx, preserving some vocal cords. Total laryngectomy is reserved for advanced cases, involving the removal of the entire larynx. Each surgery comes with its own set of considerations and potential side effects.
Chemotherapy, using potent medicines to damage cancer cell DNA, may precede surgery or radiotherapy or be used concurrently to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness. It can also be employed for advanced or recurrent laryngeal cancer. Side effects may include nausea, hair loss, appetite loss, diarrhea, sore mouth, and fatigue.
Cetuximab, a targeted cancer medicine, may complement radiotherapy, especially when chemotherapy is unsuitable. Given intravenously, it may cause side effects such as rashes, nausea, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Close monitoring is necessary due to the potential for allergic reactions.
A checkpoint inhibitor, a type of immunotherapy, stimulates the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Side effects may include skin reactions like rashes.
Post-laryngectomy, recovery involves intensive care, temporary feeding through a tube, and potential difficulties in communication. Various methods, including voice prostheses, esophageal speech, and electrolarynx, can aid in restoring or learning alternative means of communication.
Throat soreness and difficulty swallowing are common after laryngeal cancer treatment. Food may need to be administered through a tube, and dietary adjustments may be necessary during the recovery phase.
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