It occurs whenmalignant(cancerous) cells develop in the tissue of your larynx.
Your larynx contains yourglottis(vocal cords) that allow you to speak and make sounds with your voice.
It also prevents food from entering your lungs and helps you breathe.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
This disease can be treated with good outcomes.
Knowing how this disease occurs and whether you’re at risk can help you recognize symptoms when they occur.
Finding laryngeal cancer early, before it grows and spreads, improves your chances of getting fully cured.
This article describes laryngeal cancer, where it occurs, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Where Laryngeal Cancer Occurs in Throat
Laryngeal cancerappears in the tissue of the larynx.
The larynx is part of your throat.
It sits at the base of the tongue andtrachea(windpipe).
Why Do People Get Laryngeal Cancer?
All types of cancer develop from the uncontrolled growth of certain cells.
Instead of dying, mutated cells create new, abnormal cells.
In some types of cancer, these group together to form a tissue mass called a tumor.
Other factors contributing to the incidence of laryngeal cancer include the following:
What Is Laryngeal Dysplasia?
Laryngeal dysplasia is a term used to describe precancerous surface changes that occur in the membranes of the larynx.
While they do not qualify as cancer, these changes can progress to cancer if left untreated.
Symptoms: How Do You Know You Have Laryngeal Cancer?
Certain symptoms are common in people who have laryngeal cancer.
Some larynx cancer symptoms affect how you feel, while others may cause subtle changes in yourappearance.
Persistentvoice hoarsenessis one of the most common symptoms of laryngeal cancer.
Hoarseness that persists for more than two weeks should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Cells in your larynx can have changes that cause the development of precancerous laryngeal cancer called laryngeal dysplasia.
These tumors can cause symptoms similar to cancerous tumors.
Staging determines if and how much your laryngeal cancer has spread.
Laryngeal cancer diagnosed at an early stage is easier to treat than when the cancer is in advanced stages.
Stage 0 Laryngeal Cancer
Stage 0 laryngeal cancers involve small, noninvasive tumors.
Laryngeal cancers at this stage may have spread to the vocal cords and affected their normal movement.
Laryngeal cancer at this stage can usually be treated without the removal of your entire voice box.
Cancers at this stage have a high risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes in your neck.
As these cancers advance, they may spread to other areas of your body.
Smoking and/or continued alcohol use can interfere with the best outcomes.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to successful disease outcomes.
Early stage laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy or surgery has a high cure rate.
On average, the five-year relativesurvival ratefor laryngeal cancer is 80%.
Side Effects of Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
Side effects of laryngeal cancer treatment can vary by person.
The most common side effects include the following.
It can also make a significant difference in managing your physical and mental health while dealing with laryngeal cancer.
Research indicates that regular self-care care can reduce the effects of anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
Voice restoration is usually handled after you have completed all treatments for your disease.
It usually requires the help ofspeech therapyto master this new way of talking.
Options for voice restoration includetracheoesophageal voice prosthesis,electrolarynx, and esophageal speech.
It uses a one-way valve to let air from your lungs pass from your trachea and into the esophagus.
This allows the esophagus to vibrate as your new voice box.
Electrolarynx
Another voice restoration option is an electrolarynx, also known as an artificial larynx.
It is a small, battery-operated unit that produces a voice with an electronic quality that is typically well-understood.
When you want to speak, you place it on your neck under your chin.
To speak, you push a button that transfers vibrations through your skin to your throat.
You shape the sounds by using your mouth, tongue, teeth, and lips.
Esophageal Speech
Esophageal speech does not require any devices.
It can be understood, though it creates a rough, hoarse sound.
Esophageal speech involves learning to push air with your mouth into the esophagus and back out again.
Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer After Treatment
It is common for laryngeal cancer to recur after treatment.
When this happens, it typically recurs locally in your larynx.
If this occurs, it typically happens within two to three years after treatment.
There is a 20.5% overall risk of recurrence with laryngeal cancer.
Support for Advanced Laryngeal Cancer
Coping with advanced laryngeal cancer involves more than medical care.
Accept the help of family and friends who are willing to lighten your load.
Some of the most valuable support can come from others who understand what you are experiencing.
you’re able to find this in an online or local cancer support group.
When caught and treated early, it can be easily cured.
You have the highest risk of getting this disease if you smoke or use tobacco products.
Heavy drinking also increases your risk.
Doing both raises your risk greatly.
Symptoms of a hoarse voice, coughing, and trouble swallowing should not be ignored.
Getting an early diagnosis can improve your chances of having the best outcomes.
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