Laryngeal Cancer

What is Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is the malignant growth of the larynx (voice box). The larynx is a structure located in the upper part of the trachea and aids in the production of sound. Laryngeal cancer typically originates in the cells of the laryngeal mucosa. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that affects the squamous cells of the laryngeal epithelium.

What are the Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer?

• Laryngeal cancer typically presents with the following symptoms:
• Hoarseness or complete loss of voice
• Pain in the throat or ears
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Sensation of a lump or swelling in the throat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Coughing up blood or a persistent cough
• Swelling in the neck or enlarged lymph nodes

What are the Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer?

Some risk factors that contribute to the development of laryngeal cancer include:

Smoking: Smoking is the most significant factor that increases the risk of laryngeal cancer. Chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the laryngeal mucosa and contribute to the development of cancer.

Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of laryngeal cancer. Alcohol can cause cellular damage to the laryngeal tissues and contribute to the development of cancer. The risk further increases when alcohol and smoking are used together.

Combined use of alcohol and tobacco: The risk of laryngeal cancer increases when alcohol and tobacco are used together. Alcohol can enhance the harmful effects of smoking and promote the development of cancer.

Age and gender: Laryngeal cancer is more commonly seen in males over the age of 55. Men are at a higher risk compared to women.

Chronic laryngitis: Prolonged laryngitis can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. Continuously irritated laryngeal tissue can contribute to the formation of cancer cells.

• HPV infection: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, can cause certain types of laryngeal cancers.
• Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of laryngeal cancer may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease.
• Asbestos exposure: Asbestos, a mineral found in certain industrial environments, can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.

Although these risk factors increase the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer, having any of these risk factors does not guarantee a definite diagnosis of cancer. They are merely observed associations in the general population. If you have concerns about laryngeal cancer, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

How is Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer generally involves the following steps:

• Medical evaluation: In the initial stage, an otolaryngologist or oncologist evaluates the patient's medical history and symptoms. Symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, throat pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the neck.
• Physical examination: The doctor carefully examines the throat, neck, and jaw area. If laryngeal cancer is suspected, a procedure called laryngoscopy may be performed. During this procedure, a laryngoscope is used to visualize the interior of the larynx and identify suspicious areas.
• Biopsy: Tissue samples may need to be taken from suspicious areas. Biopsy is typically performed under local anesthesia. A needle or a thin tube is inserted into the larynx to obtain cell or tissue samples. These samples are then examined in a pathology laboratory to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging tests: Various imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the spread of cancer. These tests may include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). These imaging tests can help visualize the size of the cancer, its spread, and its impact on lymph nodes.
• Staging: Laryngeal cancer is staged using a staging system. Staging helps determine the size of the cancer, its spread, and its impact on lymph nodes. This is important for determining treatment options.

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer requires the collaboration of a specialized healthcare team and the use of various tests. Therefore, it is important to undergo appropriate tests guided by an otolaryngologist, oncologist, or pathologist.

What are the Treatment Options for Laryngeal Cancer?

The treatment options for laryngeal cancer can vary depending on the stage, size, spread of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. The treatment plan is individually determined by a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Below are some commonly used treatment methods for laryngeal cancer:

• Surgical intervention: Surgical treatment is used for early-stage laryngeal cancer to remove the cancerous tumor. This may involve partial or total removal of a section of the larynx. Rehabilitation (voice therapy) may be recommended to preserve voice function after surgery.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. In laryngeal cancer, radiation therapy targets the cancerous tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Radiation therapy can be used after surgical intervention or, in some cases, as an alternative to surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to kill or control the growth of cancer cells. In laryngeal cancer, chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy (combined modality treatment). It can be used to prevent or reduce the spread of cancer.
• Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy may be used for certain types of laryngeal cancer. These drugs can target specific receptors or molecules in cancer cells to stop their growth or induce cell death. Targeted drug therapy is often used in combination with other treatments or in cases of treatment-resistant cancer.

The treatment plan is personalized based on the stage of cancer, tumor size, spread, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, multiple treatment modalities may be used in combination. Supportive care, nutritional support, and rehabilitation services can also be important during the treatment process. To learn more about treatment options and the treatment process, it is important to consult an oncologist or otolaryngologist."