What is Laryngeal Cancer ?

Cancer of the larynx is a form of cancer that begins in the larynx, which is also called the voice box. The larynx has three main functions: speaking, breathing, and protecting the airway during swallowing. It is a breathing and a communication device, which makes this cancer quite dangerous as it impacts the patient's activities quite substantially.

Laryngeal cancer is a neck and head cancer that most commonly arises from the squamous cells lining the larynx. This type is known as squamous cell carcinoma. The condition occurs more often in people who are over 50 years old and have a background of tobacco and alcohol consumption; however, it can also strike younger people.

The advances in diagnostic techniques, organ-sparing treatment, and total cancer treatment have resulted in improvements in the outcomes of laryngeal cancer patients. It is critical to identify the disease at its earliest stage to manage the cancer and maintain voice quality.

How does Larynx Function?

The larynx is an extremely complex but very small organ, located in the neck region, between the pharynx and trachea. It is composed of three main parts, which operate in concert to perform three principal roles:

• Voice production (phonation)
• Breathing
• Protection of the airway during swallowing

The larynx consists of three main anatomical divisions, which include:

Supraglottis

This is the upper portion of the larynx located above the vocal cords. The structures include the epiglottis, which function as a barrier that stops food from entering the airway during swallowing.

Glottis

The glottic part houses the vocal cords. Any type of cancer found in this location manifests early because even if small growths result in noticeable changes in the individual's voice.

Subglottis

The part in question is the lower larynx, which extends from below the vocal cords to the trachea; depending on the exact location of the cancer, its effects will vary accordingly.

What are the Different Types of Laryngeal Cancer ?

Squamous cell carcinomas account for the large majority of the laryngeal malignancies. However, rare subtypes may also occur.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This form of cancer accounts for over 90 percent of all laryngeal cancer cases. The disease begins in the flat cells that line the laryngeal mucosa.

Verrucous Carcinoma

A slow-growing variant of squamous cell carcinoma that begins as a disease in a specific area of the body, which displays slow growth.

Adenocarcinoma

Rare tumors arising from glandular tissue. Adenocarcinoma is a type of tumor that originates from glandular tissue.

Sarcoma

Rare tumors arising from connective tissues within the larynx, or originating in the connective tissue within the laryngeal region.

Identifying the precise type enables selection of a suitable treatment course.

What are the Common Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer ?

Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer

The tumor location and its growth stage determine which symptoms will appear. Glottic cancers in their early stages often present earlier than cancers in other parts of the body.

The main symptoms include the following:

• Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
• Voice changes
• Persistent sore throat that remains untreated
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Pain while swallowing
• A neck lump resulting from lymph node involvement
• Continuous cough that does not stop
• Ear pain (referred pain)
• Advanced cases make breathing difficult.
• Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness is the primary early warning sign of vocal cord cancer, which should raise concern for medical professionals.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer ?

Laryngeal cancer develops when genetic mutations that trigger abnormal cell growth occur within the body. The condition has multiple risk factors that increase the chances of someone developing this disease.

• Tobacco Use: Smoking is the Most Hazardous Risk Factor. Cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products like bidis and smokeless tobacco result in an increased likelihood of lung cancer.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption poses a serious risk, particularly in conjunction with tobacco use. Excessive alcohol consumption coupled with tobacco use is extremely hazardous to one's health.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain HPV strains are known to cause head and neck cancers, while they predominantly cause oropharyngeal cancers. Certain HPV strains, which cause head and neck cancers, are linked to human papillomavirus infections.
• Occupational Exposure: Workers face a greater risk when they come into contact with wood dust, paint fumes, asbestos, and specific chemicals. Contact with wood dust, paint fumes, asbestos, and specific chemicals increases workplace risk.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux may contribute to laryngeal irritation. The irritation develops when acid reflux persists for an extended period.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase susceptibility, as a diet deficient in these foods increases the risk of developing health problems.
• Male Gender & Age: Men are more commonly affected, particularly those over 50. Men over 50 years old account for the majority of cases of this condition.

Knowledge of risk factors helps select appropriate methods for illness prevention and screening tests that detect the disease early.

How is Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosed and Tested ?

The ability to detect diseases early leads to better patient results. Clinical evaluation initiates the assessment process, which is followed by imaging tests and biopsy procedures.

Physical Examination: An extensive head and neck examination is performed to assess voice quality, neck swelling, and any visible abnormalities. The doctor conducts a complete examination of the head and neck area to check for any abnormalities and assess the voice quality and neck swelling.

Laryngoscopy: Laryngoscopy is a major diagnostic technique. This enables direct viewing of the larynx. Laryngoscopy is an important diagnostic technique for visualizing the larynx. Forms of laryngoscopy are:

• Indirect laryngoscopy using mirrors
• Flexible fiber optic laryngoscopy
• Direct laryngoscopy under anesthesia

The doctor will perform a biopsy if an abnormal growth is detected during the procedure.

Biopsy: Doctors take a tissue sample from the patient to examine it under a microscope, which confirms whether cancer exists and identifies the specific type of tumor.

Imaging Studies: The imaging process enables doctors to assess both the dimensions of tumors and their movement throughout the body. Common imaging tests include:

• CT scan
• MRI
• PET-CT scan. The tests assess the presence of cancer in lymph nodes and its spread to other parts of the body.

How is Laryngeal Cancer Staged ?

The staging process doctors use is called the TNM staging system, which has three parts:

T (tumor size)

N (lymph nodes)

M (metastasis)

The progression of the disease occurs from Stage I, which is localized, and progresses to Stage IV, which has spread throughout the body. Medical professionals require precise staging results to select the most suitable treatment options.

What Medical and Surgical Treatment Options are available ?

Medical specialists consider the tumor's location and stage, the patient's general health, and treatment preferences when determining treatment options, as effective therapy requires a diverse team approach.

Surgery

The surgical procedure aims to remove tumors while maintaining as much normal body function as possible.

• Endoscopic Resection: Minimally invasive techniques allow doctors to remove small tumors from the patient's body.
• Partial Laryngectomy: The surgical procedure removes the larynx while allowing patients to continue speaking and breathing.
• Total Laryngectomy: The complete removal of the larynx leads to permanent airway separation from the mouth, which necessitates neck surgery for patients to breathe through a stoma.

The process of total laryngectomy requires patients to undergo voice rehabilitation.

Radiation Therapy

The therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used:

• As primary treatment in early-stage disease
• After surgery to reduce recurrence risk
• For patients who cannot undergo surgery

The medical procedure uses radiation to help certain patients maintain their ability to speak.

Chemotherapy

The chemotherapy treatment uses various drugs to kill cancer cells that grow rapidly. It may be used:

• Along with radiation therapy, chemoradiation
• For advanced or metastatic disease
• As palliative treatment, cisplatin and carboplatin are common chemotherapy drugs.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies specifically target molecular pathways that drive cancer development. The treatment exists to assist patients who experience treatment resistance after standard medical approaches.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy creates conditions that enable an immune response to identify and attack cancer cells. Doctors have shown that checkpoint inhibitors work effectively for individuals with advanced head and neck cancers.

What does Post-Treatment Rehabilitation involve ?

The process of laryngeal cancer treatment creates severe problems that affect a patient’s ability to speak, swallow, and breathe.

Speech Therapy

Patients who need to improve their communication skills will require speech therapy. Patients can choose from these voice restoration methods:

• Tracheoesophageal puncture TEP
• Esophageal speech
• Electronic voice devices

Swallowing Therapy

A person with swallowing difficulties needs to do rehabilitation exercises while following specific dietary rules.

Nutritional Support

Most patients need nutritional counseling services throughout their treatment and after they complete it.

What are the Potential Complications of Laryngeal Cancer ?

The potential complications include:

• Voice changes
• Swallowing difficulty
• Breathing problems
• Infection
• Lymphedema
• Recurrence of cancer

Medical professionals need to conduct close monitoring to detect complications early.

What is Prognosis / Survival of Laryngeal Cancer ?

The prognosis depends largely on the stage at diagnosis. The survival rates for early-stage glottic cancers remain very strong. However, it is noted that the survival rate is lower in advanced stages of cancer. But successful results can be achieved with the combined therapy of drugs. Early detection of cancer is very beneficial for the patient.

Can Laryngeal Cancer be Prevented ?

People should adopt the following preventive measures to maintain their health:

• Avoiding the use of tobacco products
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
• Good oral hygiene practices
• Consuming fruits and vegetables
• Seeking early medical attention for persistent hoarseness. Public awareness plays a critical role in prevention.

Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Laryngeal Cancer Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Laryngeal 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 laryngectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Our Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Laryngeal Cancer in Lucknow, India.

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

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

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