Despite its name, laryngeal larynx cancer is not limited to the larynx. It may also occur in other parts of the body, such as the esophagus and the bronchi. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Treatment
Several treatment options are available for laryngeal cancer. These include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments vary based on the type of cancer, the patient’s health, and the patient’s preferences.
Surgery may be used for laryngeal cancer that has spread from the larynx to the lungs, a lymph node, or another part of the body. In some cases, the entire larynx may need to be removed. Other times, a small portion of the larynx may be removed to help preserve the voice.
Chemotherapy may be used before surgery or during surgery. Chemotherapy works by damaging cancer cells and can also help to slow down the growth of cancer. This type of treatment is usually given as a single drug or in combination with other treatments. It may also be used before radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy uses a beam of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes combined with chemotherapy. The intensity of the beams used must be carefully targeted to the larynx. This may cause more side effects than other treatments.
Several new types of radiation therapy are being tested for laryngeal cancer. They include hypofractionated radiation therapy, which divides a dose of radiation into two smaller doses.
Cancer often begins in the lymph nodes. Cancer may also spread to the neck. If this occurs, the neck may be dissected to remove some lymph nodes. A PET/CT scan can also be used to determine if cancer has spread.
Other treatments for laryngeal cancer include cetuximab, which is a targeted cancer medicine. These treatments are often used if chemotherapy is not appropriate.
Laryngeal cancer can return after treatment. Patients may need regular follow-up appointments to monitor cancer. They may also have changes in their voice and eating habits.
Diagnosis
During laryngeal cancer diagnosis, doctors usually look at the neck for swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped organs in the neck. These organs contain white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system.
In addition to looking for cancer, a doctor also will perform a physical examination. A physical examination will include checking the throat for any abnormalities, feeling the neck for swollen lymph nodes, and checking the tongue for any changes in shape.
After a physical examination, a doctor may order additional tests to further evaluate the patient. These tests will help determine the spread of cancer and treatment options.
In some cases, a doctor will perform a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a piece of tissue under anesthesia. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to determine if it contains cancer cells.
Laryngeal cancer can be treated in several ways. Some treatments are used alone, while others are used in combination. In some cases, a patient may need surgery to remove all or part of the larynx.
After surgery, patients may receive chemotherapy. Some patients may also receive radiation therapy. Patients can participate in clinical trials to find new treatments. A multidisciplinary team will decide on the best treatment options for the patient. The team will also discuss the risks and side effects of the treatment.
Laryngeal cancer is highly treatable when detected early. However, it can return after treatment. If it does, you will need to continue to be monitored by a doctor.
In some cases, laryngeal cancer will spread to other parts of the body. Doctors can detect the spread of cancer with tests such as radiographic imaging, MRI, PET/CT, and ultrasound.
Symptoms
Symptoms of laryngeal larynx cancer vary, depending on the type of tumor and its location of it. In the early stages, cancer can be removed by minimally invasive surgery, using a laser to remove cancerous cells. In more advanced stages, treatment may include surgery and chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy to stop cancerous cells from returning.
There are a variety of tests that can be used to detect laryngeal cancer. These include a CT scan to determine whether cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body. A PET scan can also be performed to evaluate the status of lymph nodes in the neck. A biopsy is also used to confirm the diagnosis.
The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has established guidelines for staging larynx cancer. The AJCC has divided cancers of the larynx into early, intermediate, and advanced disease groups. In addition to staging, the AJCC also provides treatment recommendations.
Early cancers are remarkably curable, with a five-year survival rate of 80-95%. The treatments for larynx cancer are generally based on the size of the tumor. Depending on the location, cancer can be removed by endoscopic resection, or through surgery.
Treatment options for larynx cancer are also based on the extent of cancer and its location. In the early stages, surgery is the most common treatment. It is important to understand how different treatments will affect vocal function.
Adjunct treatment may be needed after surgery. Adjunct treatments include the administration of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cetuximab.
Often, laryngeal cancer requires a multidisciplinary team of experts to help determine the most effective treatment. These may include a surgeon, a clinical oncologist, and a specialist cancer nurse.
Spread to other parts of the body
Several tests can determine if your cancer has spread to other parts of your body. These tests are called staging. Staging is used to determine the severity of the disease and the treatment options that are available.
Staging tests include laryngoscopy, a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the larynx. This procedure uses a small scope and a series of mirrors to help your doctor diagnose your condition.
Your doctor will also ask you about symptoms. These symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and changes in voice. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor may refer you to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.
You may also have a laryngeal biopsy. This involves cutting a small piece of abnormal tissue from the larynx and testing it in a laboratory to see if it contains cancer.
If the test indicates cancer has spread to other parts of your body, your doctor will recommend treatment options. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments are used to slow the growth of cancer and preserve the patient’s ability to breathe and talk. However, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have side effects.
Some types of laryngeal cancer can spread to the lungs and neck. The cancer cells may also travel to the hypopharynx (the area behind the vocal cords) and esophagus.
Your doctor will determine if you have laryngeal cancer based on your medical history, symptoms, and tests. He or she will then work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s based on your overall health and the stage of cancer.
Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are common treatments for advanced stages of laryngeal cancer. Your doctor may also recommend an alternative treatment that’s aimed at preserving your quality of life.
Risk factors
Several factors increase the risk of laryngeal larynx cancer. There are no guarantees, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.
The most important factor is smoking. Heavy smokers have a twenty times higher risk of dying from laryngeal cancer. In addition, alcohol consumption also increases the risk.
Another important factor is genetic makeup. People with certain genetic conditions are at risk of developing laryngeal cancer. This includes people who have acquired mutations, which cause uncontrolled growth. There is also a higher risk for people with Fanconi anemia, a blood disorder that begins at an early age.
Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of laryngeal cancer. The UK guidelines recommend that people do not consume more than 14 units of alcohol a week. The combination of alcohol and tobacco increases the risk.
Diet is also associated with laryngeal cancer. People who consume a diet high in meat and red meat have a higher risk of developing laryngeal cancer. People who eat a diet high in salty food are also at a higher risk.
Sociodemographic factors include age, gender, education level, and housing quality. In addition, people who work in certain jobs are at a higher risk. They are also more likely to smoke tobacco.
There is also a higher risk for people who work in industries that produce toxic dust or use machines. People who work in industries that produce metals and wood products also have a higher risk of developing laryngeal larynx carcinoma.
Another risk factor is the consumption of processed meat. There is also a high risk for people who have a family history of laryngeal larynx disease. The risk is also increased for people who work in industries that have high or low temperatures.
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