Uncategorized
Throat cancer
What is Laryngeal Cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer that affects your larynx, also known as the voice box. The larynx contains cartilage and muscles that allow you to speak.
This type of cancer can damage your voice and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body.
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancers of the head and neck make up about 4% of all cancers in the United States.
The survival rate depends on where in the larynx the cancer occurs and how early it is detected.
The American Cancer Society reports that about 90% of people with stage 1 cancer in the glottis (the part of the larynx containing the vocal cords) survive five years or more.
In contrast, for stage 1 cancer in the supraglottis (the upper part of the larynx containing the epiglottis), about 59% survive five years or more. The epiglottis covers the larynx when swallowing, preventing food from entering the lungs.
Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer
Unlike many other cancers, laryngeal cancer symptoms are relatively easy to notice. Common symptoms include:
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Hoarseness or changes in voice
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Difficulty breathing
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Persistent cough
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Coughing up blood
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Throat or neck pain
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Burning or sore sensation in the throat
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Ear pain
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Difficulty swallowing
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Swelling in the neck
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Lumps in the neck
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Sudden weight loss
These symptoms are not always due to cancer, but if they persist for more than a week, you should see a doctor. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
How Does Laryngeal Cancer Develop?
Throat cancer occurs when healthy cells become damaged and begin to grow abnormally, forming tumors. In laryngeal cancer, the tumors start in the voice box.
The main cause of this cell damage is smoking, but other causes include:
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Heavy alcohol use
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Poor nutrition
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
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Weakened immune system
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Exposure to harmful substances like asbestos
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Genetic conditions such as Fanconi anemia
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Lifestyle factors that increase risk include:
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Smoking
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Chewing tobacco
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Low intake of fruits and vegetables
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High intake of processed foods
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Alcohol consumption
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Asbestos exposure
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Family history of throat cancer
If you have any of these risks, regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are important.
How Is Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a review of your medical history. If symptoms suggest cancer, your doctor may perform:
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Laryngoscopy – using a small camera or mirror to examine the larynx.
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Biopsy – removing a small tissue sample to check for cancer.
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Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI) – not usually the first step, but useful for checking cancer spread.
Staging (using the TNM system):
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T (Tumor): Size and spread of the primary tumor
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N (Nodes): Spread to lymph nodes
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M (Metastasis): Spread to other organs or distant lymph nodes
Laryngeal cancer most often spreads first to the lungs. Small tumors that haven’t spread are less risky, while larger, more spread-out tumors have lower survival rates.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage:
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Surgery: Often used in early stages to remove tumors. Risks include breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, changes or loss of voice, neck scars.
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Radiation Therapy: Used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells or alone for small tumors.
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Chemotherapy: Used with radiation when surgery isn’t possible, after surgery to kill leftover cells, or to reduce symptoms in advanced cancer.
For advanced cancer, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be combined.
If the Voice Is Lost
Partial or total removal of the larynx may occur, but you can still learn to speak again through:
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Esophageal speech – swallowing and releasing air to produce sound
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Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) – a surgical valve in the neck that allows speech
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Electrolarynx – an electronic device that generates mechanical voice
Alternative Therapies (to complement medical treatment):
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Meditation
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Yoga
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Acupuncture
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Massage therapy
Prevention
You can lower your risk by:
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Quitting or reducing smoking
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Limiting alcohol intake
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Using protective gear if exposed to asbestos
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Eating a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet
Outlook
Early treatment is the key to curing laryngeal cancer. The earlier it’s detected and treated, the higher the survival rate—especially if it hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
