Overview

Glottic Cancer is the most common form of laryngeal (voice box) cancer, which occurs in the glottis, the center part of the larynx where the vocal folds are. Because even small tumors on the vocal cords can affect one's voice, glottic cancer is usually detected at an early stage. As a result, this condition can be successfully treated with early diagnosis and adequate management.

What is Glottic Cancer?

Glottic Cancer is an abnormal growth in the true vocal cords and other structures of the glottis. The majority of glottic cancers are Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs), which arise from the thin, flat cells that line the larynx.

The glottis is crucial for:

• Voice production
• Safeguarding the airways when swallowing
• Controlling airflow while breathing

This cancer can affect your ability to speak and, in severe cases, your breathing and swallowing abilities.

Where is the Glottis Located?

The larynx consists of three areas:

• Supraglottis - above the vocal cords
• Glottis - includes true vocal cords.
• Subglottis - below the vocal cords

The glottis is the most common area affected by laryngeal cancer due to exposure of the vocal cords to various irritating agents, including tobacco smoke.

What are the Risk Factors for Glottic Cancer?

Although the exact causes are often not fully understood, several possible factors can contribute to the disease.

Possible risk factors include:

• Smoking tobacco (the most common risk factor)
• Chewing tobacco
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
• Chemical, dust, or asbestos exposure at work
• Advanced age (typically more than 50 years old)
• Male sex (although female incidence is rising)
• History of cancer in the head and neck
• Bad dental hygiene
• Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) in some cases only, though it plays less of a role than in oropharyngeal cancers.

What Are the Signs of Glottic Cancer?

The tumor occurs on the vocal cords; therefore, symptoms become evident at an early stage.

Symptoms usually are:

• Hoarseness persisting for two or three weeks.
• Voice changes
• Difficulties in speech
• A sore throat that lasts constantly
• Difficulties in swallowing
• Feeling of a foreign body in the throat
• Coughing constantly
• Sputum with blood (rarely)
• Breathing difficulties in the advanced stages
• Swollen neck when the cancer affects the lymph nodes

Any hoarseness must be seen by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

How to Diagnose Glottic Cancer?

Early detection significantly increases the possibility of treatment.

Clinical Examination

The physician checks:

• Conditions of voice
• Neck lymph nodes
• Mouth and throat

Flexible Laryngoscopy

This procedure involves passing a flexible camera through the nose to see the vocal cords and the larynx. It is one of the first investigations.

Laryngoscopy with biopsy

The doctor under anesthesia inspects the larynx and takes out a tissue sample for examination.

Imaging Tests

According to the cancer's stage, the following examinations are performed:

• Contrast-enhanced CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET-CT scan (in advanced cases)
• Chest CT when necessary

The above-mentioned tests help assess the size of the tumor and its spread to plan further treatment.

How Is Glottic Cancer Staged?

TNM staging system is used for glottic cancer.

Stage I

Tumor localized only in one or both vocal cords.
Normal vocal cord movement
No metastasis in lymph nodes

Stage II

The tumor extends to adjacent organs such as the supraglottis and/or subglottis.
Vocal cord movement can be impaired.
No metastasis in lymph nodes

Stage III

Large tumor
Fixation of the vocal cords or extension out of the vocal cords
One adjacent lymph node may be involved.

Stage IV

Tumor invasion into adjacent organs, including the thyroid cartilage, soft tissues, and other organs
May have multiple lymph node involvement or distant metastases.

How Is Glottic Cancer Treated?

It depends on the following factors:

• The stage of cancer
• Tumor size
• Vocal cord mobility
• Patient's general condition
• Preservation of voice goals

Radiation Therapy

Radiotherapy is a good therapeutic technique for many early glottic tumors.

The benefits are:

• Cure rates are high
• Natural voice is retained.
• Exempts from major surgery in most cases

Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM)

Early-stage tumors can be excised orally with the help of a laser apparatus.

The advantages are:

• No surgical cuts externally
• More rapid healing
• Voice preservation in many patients

Partial Laryngectomy

Some patients can undergo surgery to excise only the affected part of the larynx, preserving speech and swallowing abilities.

Total Laryngectomy

Advanced tumors may require total removal of the larynx.

After total laryngectomy, the patient breathes:

• Through the permanent hole called the stoma on the neck

The speech is recovered using a voice prosthesis, an electrolarynx, or esophageal speech.

Neck Dissection

Dissection of lymph nodes can be required in cases when cancer has invaded the neck region or there is a high risk of nodal involvement.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is frequently added to radiation therapy in advanced cases or when recurrence or metastasis occurs.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy can also be considered in some cases.

Can Glottic Cancer Metastasize?

Yes.

Primary glottic cancers rarely metastasize to the lymph nodes owing to the limited lymphatic supply to the vocal cords.

Advanced cancers may metastasize to:

• Neck lymph nodes
• Lung
• Bones
• Liver

Early detection significantly lowers the chances of metastasis.

What Is the Outlook?

Glottic cancer is known for its favorable prognosis when detected early, among other head and neck cancers.

It depends on:

• Diagnostic stage
• Size of the tumor
• Vocal cords mobility
• Lymph node involvement
• Effectiveness of the therapy

Early-stage glottic cancers usually have outstanding recovery rates, often surpassing 90%.

What Occurs After the Treatment?

Follow-up examinations are crucial.

Patients are tested for:

• Recurrence of the cancer
• Voice quality
• Swallowing
• Breathing
• Smoking cessation assistance
• Requirements for rehabilitation

Swallowing and speech therapy can improve function after the treatment.

Prevention

The risk of developing glottic cancer can be minimized through:

• Total refusal of all types of tobacco products
• Adequate limitation of alcohol drinking
• Good dental care
• The usage of appropriate protection when exposed to industrial chemicals and dusts
• Consultation with specialists concerning persistent hoarseness, pain, or other changes in your voice

Early detection is still the most successful approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does persistent hoarseness mean cancer?

Not always. Most cases of hoarseness result from infections, vocal strain, or other benign causes. However, any hoarseness that lasts more than two or three weeks requires consultation with an ENT doctor.

Can Glottic Cancer be cured?

Yes. Early glottic cancer is very curable with either surgery or radiation therapy.

Will I become voiceless after therapy?

Not necessarily. Most patients can preserve their ability to speak through radiation therapy or partial laryngectomy procedures. Speech therapy is also available after total laryngectomy.

Is smoking a primary risk factor?

Yes. Smoking is the first reason behind the development of glottic cancer, and discontinuation of smoking enhances the possibilities of successful treatment and prevention of its recurrence.

Does each person need to have a full larynx resection?

No. Many cancers at an early stage of development can be treated without removing the entire larynx.

Can Glottic Cancer recur?

Yes. Despite the high likelihood of being completely cured, there is always a risk of disease recurrence. Follow-up will help to detect it early.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Glottic Cancer Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Glottic Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced head and neck surgeons and oncology specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-surgical and surgical treatment options including laser microsurgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Our Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Glottic Cancer in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert consultation for Glottic Cancer Treatment in Lucknow , India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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