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Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx)
What is laryngeal cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is cancerous cells found in any part of the larynx - the glottis, the supraglottis, or the subglottis.
Laryngeal cancer occurs most often in people over age 55. It is more common in men and African-Americans. Approximately 12,000 people are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in the US each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Close to 4,000 die from the disease annually, reports the American Cancer Society.
What are the symptoms of laryngeal cancer?
The following are the most common symptoms of laryngeal cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- a cough that lasts
- a sore throat that lasts
- feeling of a lump in the throat
- trouble swallowing
- frequent choking on food
- pain when swallowing
- trouble breathing
- noisy breathing
- ear pain that lasts
- a lump in the neck
- unplanned weight loss
- bad breath
The symptoms of laryngeal cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
What causes laryngeal cancer?
The exact cause of laryngeal cancer is not known, however, there are certain risk factors that may increase a person's chance of developing cancer.
Risk factors for laryngeal cancer:
Risk factors include:
- tobacco use
- alcohol abuse
- poor nutrition
- GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease
- human papillomavirus
- weakened immune system
How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the physician may carefully feel the neck to check for lumps, swelling, tenderness, and other changes.
Two types of laryngoscopy may be performed:
- indirect laryngoscopy - a small, long-handled mirror is inserted into the throat so parts of the larynx can be examined.
- direct laryngoscopy - an instrument called a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth. The scope is a lighted tube, which provides a better view of the area than the indirect laryngoscopy.
A biopsy, removal of a sample of tissue to be evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist, may also be performed.
If cancerous cells are found, imaging procedures may be used to determine the extent, or stage of the cancer.
Treatment of laryngeal cancer:
Specific treatment for laryngeal cancer will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include one, or a combination of, the following:
- radiation therapy (to kill cancerous cells or keep them from growing)
- surgery (to remove the cancerous cells or tumor)
- chemotherapy (to kill cancerous cells)
