Laryngeal Cancer Throat Cancer in London

The larynx, or voice box, is the structure at the entrance of the windpipe that regulates airflow during breathing. It consists of three main parts: the supraglottis (upper larynx), vocal cords (glottis), and subglottis (lower larynx). Cancer that develops in any of these areas is referred to as laryngeal cancer. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma.

The leading cause of laryngeal cancer is smoking—present in 94% of cases. Other risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and poor oral hygiene.

SYMPTOMS OF LARYNGEAL CANCER

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location, but the three main warning signs are:

Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing

One or more of these symptoms may appear simultaneously. Additional signs may include:

Ear pain
Neck mass or swelling

If these symptoms are present, the ENT specialist will perform an examination. If laryngeal cancer is suspected, a biopsywill be taken from the affected tissue. A definitive diagnosis is made after evaluation by a pathologist.

TREATMENT OF LARYNGEAL CANCER

Treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of ENT specialists and oncologists. The plan is based on the tumor’s size and stage. Treatment options include:

Surgery
Radiotherapy
Combined therapies (chemoradiation or surgery + radiation)

The main goal is to maintain quality of life:

Reduce pain
Preserve speech
Allow comfortable eating and breathing
Prevent progression to advanced stages or treat it effectively if already advanced

LARYNGEAL CANCER SURGERY

The surgical approach depends on the location and extent of the cancer.

If the tumor is limited and does not affect the vocal cords, arytenoid bands, or base of the tongue, a partial laryngectomy (removal of part of the larynx) may be performed.
This can also be applied if only one vocal cord is involved.
If both vocal cords or the area connecting them are affected, a total laryngectomy (complete removal of the larynx) is required.
During this operation, affected lymph nodes and surrounding neck tissues are also cleared.

CAN LARYNGEAL CANCER PATIENTS SPEAK AFTER SURGERY?

The larynx not only regulates breathing and swallowing but also plays a crucial role in speech.

If only part of the larynx is removed or if radiation therapy is used, mild hoarseness may occur.
If the entire larynx is removed, patients lose natural voice function.

However, speech can be restored using one of the following methods:

Esophageal speech (producing sound by swallowing air)
Electrolarynx (a handheld vibrating device)
Voice prosthesis (a valve placed between the windpipe and esophagus)

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