The larynx is a small structure located in the neck, consisting of cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. It is a crucial part of the respiratory system that enables voice production, breathing and swallowing.

Unfortunately, like all parts of the body, the larynx can develop cancer, which is known as laryngeal cancer.

Symptoms of Larynx Cancer

Laryngeal cancer often begins with a persistent cough and hoarseness of voice. Advanced symptoms of larynx cancer include:.

A lump in the neck
Difficulty swallowing
A persistent sore throat or a feeling of discomfort
Breathlessness or noisy breathing
Coughing up blood
Unintentional weight loss

Most of these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions. However, if these symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional for diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Larynx Cancer

During the diagnosis of larynx cancer, a complete physical examination is performed. The examination includes a detailed history of the patient’s symptoms, a physical examination of the throat, and the neck for any lumps or swelling.

The doctor may then use a laryngoscope, a small camera that is inserted through the nose or mouth to visualize the larynx and vocal cords.

If the laryngeal cancer diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests are required to determine the extent of cancer and the overall health of the patient. The tests may include:.

Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Laryngeal biopsy to collect a sample of cells from the laryngeal tissue for further examination under a microscope

Treatment of Larynx Cancer

The treatment for larynx cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the size, and location of the tumor.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for larynx cancer. The most frequent surgical procedure, known as a laryngectomy, involves removing the larynx.

This procedure affects the patient’s ability to speak and breathe, which requires additional treatment to restore normal breathing and speech functions.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for early-stage laryngeal cancer or as additional therapy following surgery. In this treatment, high-energy radiation is used to kill the cancerous cells.

The treatment can be external radiation therapy, which is delivered through a machine outside the body, or internal radiation therapy, which involves implanting radioactive seeds into the tissue around the cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves drugs that kill cancer cells or prevent them from dividing and multiplying. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy for advanced laryngeal cancer or as a palliative treatment to relieve cancer symptoms.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a relatively newer treatment that utilizes drugs that target specific genes and proteins that help cancer cells survive and grow. The drug can be administered orally or through intravenous infusion.

Targeted therapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy or as a stand-alone treatment.

Outlook for Larynx Cancer

The outlook for larynx cancer depends on various factors. If detected early, the survival rate is higher than if detected later. Early detection and early treatment generally lead to better prognosis.

Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For advanced cases of larynx cancer, treatment results may vary based on the patient’s health and cancer stage.