Cancer is a medical condition that can be problematic to treat since it involves genetic mutations. These mutations lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the ability to resist treatments. Additionally, cancer cells can bypass the immune system and spread to other parts of the body, complicating the treatment efforts. Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer. Almost all laryngeal cancers arise from the thin, flat cells called squamous cells that make up the inner lining of the larynx. The condition occurs in the tissues of the larynx. If any of the symptoms mentioned below are experienced, visit a specialist immediately.
Laryngeal Cancer Stages
Laryngeal cancer is classified into the following stages:
- The first stage (T1 stage)—The tumor is less than 2 cm wide, small, and limited to the surrounding tissues.
- The second stage (T2 stage): The tumor is larger in size and may spread to other tissues of the larynx or pharynx, but it has not yet left the larynx.
- The third stage (T3 stage) – The tumor has spread to other tissues near the larynx or may have spread to the pharynx or other tissues around the larynx.
- The fourth stage (T4 stage) – At this stage, the tumor has spread more widely to tissues around the larynx, lymph nodes, or other nearby organs.
Laryngeal Cancer Causes
Laryngeal Cancer Causes
The larynx is a part of the upper respiratory system that plays a role in sound production and includes the vocal cords and surrounding structures. Laryngeal cancer usually starts in the lining cells of the throat area and can spread to other tissues and organs. Having one risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will develop the disease. Even individuals who develop the disease may have little or no known risk factors.
The main cause of laryngeal cancer is not yet known, but there are risk factors that increase the danger of developing the disease. Some of the risk factors for laryngeal cancer are:
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Age and Nationality
- Gender
- Excessive exposure to dust or chemicals
- A person’s family history of cancer
Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms
Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms
What are the early signs of larynx cancer? Symptoms of laryngeal cancer vary in intensity and speed and depend on the stage of the disease. Common symptoms of throat cancer include:
- Difficulty and pain when swallowing: feeling soreness and difficulty in swallowing that worsens over time.
- Severe and continuous voice change: This symptom is caused by damage to the vocal cords.
- Swelling or lump appearing on the neck: Because the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a lump or swelling may be felt in this area.
- Bleeding in the throat: In some cases, the patient may experience bleeding in the mouth or throat.
- Sudden weight loss: unexplained weight loss due to the rapid invasion of cancer and its effect on the body’s metabolism.
The first symptom of laryngeal cancer is that the normal functions of the larynx are disturbed. The patient may experience difficulty in speaking, changes in voice quality and hoarseness, and feeling short of breath. Shortness of breath can occur because the airway becomes narrower, or even the passage of food (pharynx) may be blocked in severe stages, and the patient may have difficulty swallowing food.
How Painful Is Laryngeal Cancer?
The pain level associated with laryngeal cancer can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer in the larynx. Early stages may cause mild discomfort, such as a continuous sore throat or hoarseness of the voice. As the cancer progresses, it can lead to more severe pain, especially when swallowing or speaking.
Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis
Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosing laryngeal cancer requires a series of specialized tests and examinations to determine the exact location, size, and stage of the disease. First, the doctor examines the throat and neck for lumps or abnormal changes. He or she will also evaluate the possibility of cancer by revising medical history and risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history. Later, endoscopy, biopsy, other tests, and imaging are performed.
MRI Scan – This imaging test uses radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the neck.
PET Scan – A PET scan is a type of CT scan that involves injecting a radioactive substance into the blood. It creates images of the radioactive areas in your body. This type of imaging test can be used in cases of advanced and malignant laryngeal cancer.
Barium Beam – If the patient has trouble swallowing, the doctor may suggest a barium swallow test. Before the test, the patient drinks a thick liquid that coats the throat and esophagus. After drinking this liquid, X-ray images are taken of the patient’s throat and esophagus.
Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
The first question you might ask is: Can you cure larynx cancer?
In reality, Laryngeal cancer may be curable depending on the stage and type of cancer, the general health status of the patient, and the selected treatment methods. In cases where cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, the probability of definitive treatment is very high, and patients can return to their normal life after treatment. The treatment method used for the patient depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors. Treatment options for laryngeal cancer include:
Stage 0 (Mild Cases): It can be treated with endoscopic surgery or radiation therapy.
Stage 1 and 2: Most stage 1 and 2 laryngeal cancers can be successfully treated without total laryngectomy. In most cases, radiation therapy or laryngeal surgery is performed.
Laryngeal cancer surgery: Laryngeal cancer surgery is a complete removal of the larynx.
Laryngeal cancer chemotherapy: An oncologist may recommend chemotherapy and radiation therapy for large tumors and tumors that have metastasized to lymph nodes and other organs or tissues.
Laryngeal cancer treatment using laser surgery: There is also treatment for laryngeal cancer, which includes laser surgery. With this treatment, the larynx is operated through the mouth, and the tumor is removed with a laser.
Laryngeal Cancer
What Is the Survival Rate for Laryngeal Cancer?
The survival rate of a person with laryngeal cancer depends on various factors, such as the stage of the cancer, age, and general health of the patient. Early prognosis of the disease helps prevent its development. Depending on its stage, the 5-year survival rate is between 30 to 90 percent. Patients who have severe laryngeal cancer live up to 5 years or more.
Can You Have Throat Cancer for Years and Not Know It?
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer may appear at any age. The stages of laryngeal cancer and the appearance of its first symptoms may not always be specified. Even though the percentage of people over 50 years of age with this disease is higher, young people can also develop this disease.
Lastly
Laryngeal cancer develops with specific symptoms such as harshness of voice, sore throat, and difficulty in swallowing. This type of cancer is among the diseases where the time of diagnosis is of great importance for treatment. If the throat cancer is diagnosed at the right time, the probability of death decreases, and the patient can return to a normal life with the help of other treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.
