Important information about laryngeal cancer
What are the symptoms of laryngeal cancer, how does this condition appear and what are the effective treatment methods for it? We will tell you
throat cancer
The larynx is the voice producing organ in humans. The larynx is a hollow organ consisting of several cartilages in the front of the neck that houses the vocal cords.
The larynx plays an important role in breathing, speaking and swallowing food.
Diagnosing laryngeal cancer as early as possible in the early stages makes the treatment more successful and reduces its complications.
Warning signs of larynx cancer
Long-term hoarseness or voice changes without a clear cause
Feeling of a lump in the throat
Bump in the neck area
Shortness of breath due to activity
Chronic cough
Difficulty or pain when swallowing food, cough with bloody sputum
Swollen lymph nodes and stiffness in the neck
A feeling of pain when touching the throat
Loud breathing
Bad Breath
Earache (no infection)
Weight Loss
Smoking is one of the main causes of laryngeal cancer, so most patients have a history of smoking
Factors that increase the risk of infection
– People over 55 years old
Men are four times more likely to develop this disease than women.
– Smoking is one of the main causes of this disease, so that most patients have a history of smoking. In addition to causing throat cancer, smoking can also cause lung, mouth, pancreas, bladder and esophagus cancer. The risk of developing these cancers is significantly reduced by quitting smoking.
– Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of larynx cancer, especially if it is combined with smoking.
– History of other head and neck cancers
– Workers who are in contact with sulfuric acid dust, nickel and asbestos
– Patients with gastric reflux
– Inhalation of metal and wood dust
– Polyps (losses) of the vocal cords
Chronic inflammation of the vocal cords
– Blacks have a higher percentage of laryngeal cancer than whites.
Ways to diagnose laryngeal cancer
– Simple examination of the larynx, lymph nodes and neck area by the doctor
– Radiography of the larynx with X-ray radiation
– Radiography of the larynx by a device called a fluoroscope to check the shape and movement of the larynx structure
– Examination of the inner surface of the larynx using a device called a laryngoscope
– Simple chest imaging
Nowadays, in cases of laryngeal cancer, cancer specialists can save the patient’s larynx by using a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and reduce the complications caused by the removal of the larynx and improve the quality of life of these patients.
– CT Scan: In this method, the CT scan machine shows a three-dimensional image of the body by taking a number of X-ray pictures, and in this way, the exact location and size of the lesion and the spread of the tumor to other parts are determined.
– Radiography using magnetic field resonance : This test is similar to a CT scan, except that instead of X-rays, magnets are used to take pictures of body parts. In this test, the patient stays still in the chamber of this device for 30 minutes and cross-sectional images of his body are taken.
– Tissue sampling or biopsy: Microscopic examination of the desired tissue sample. This test is very important because it is the most reliable way to diagnose cancer.
Laryngeal cancer treatment
– Surgery: It involves complete or partial removal of the larynx. Treatment in advanced stages of the disease requires surgery and removal of the tumor and involved tissues (laryngectomy) and radiation therapy after surgery. In the case of surgery, after the removal of the vocal cords, speech therapy may be necessary to learn how to speak without the vocal cords.
– Radiotherapy : Using high-energy X-rays or gamma rays to destroy cancer cells. If the cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, the treatment can be done in the form of radiation therapy or removal of the vocal cords with a laser on an outpatient basis.
– Chemotherapy : which is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
Nowadays, in cases of laryngeal cancer, cancer specialists can save the patient’s larynx by using a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and reduce the complications caused by the removal of the larynx and improve the quality of life of these patients.
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