Cancer Larynx [voicebox]

Cancer Larynx [voice box]
Cancer of the voice box is one of the common types of head and neck cancers.Detected early it has excellent cure rates.
What are the risk factors for cancer larynx?
• Smoking
• Alcohol Intake
• Acid reflux [Laryngopharyngeal reflux]
• Radiation
• Other: viral [HPV], certain occupational
Are men affected more than women in cancer larynx?
Yes men are affected 4 times more than women though the incidence in women has risen significantly due to the prevalence of smoking and alcohol intake in women worldwide
What age group is affected by cancer larynx?
Age above 50 is the age most commonly affected though it can occur in other ages also.
What are the symptoms for cancer larynx?
• Persistent Voice change such as hoarseness- one of the early symptoms of cancer vocal cords.
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pain on swallowing
• Throat pain
• Noisy breathing[ stridor]
• Difficulty in breathing
• Lump in neck
• Blood tinged spit/sputum
• Cough
• Ear pain -especially one sided
How is cancer larynx diagnosed?
• After taking your history, your ENT specialist will perform a basic Head and Neck examination.
• A mirror or a telescope/endoscope will be used to view the vocal cords and rest of the larynx [voice box] and pharynx [food pipe or throat].
• The neck will be examined for lumps, mobility of the voice box, and thyroid enlargement.
• For adequate diagnosis and planning treatment a direct laryngoscopy and biopsy will have to be performed.
What is the treatment for cancer larynx?
• If diagnosed early cancer vocal cords is one of the cancers with excellent cure rates.
• Treatment depends on the site and extent of involvement + consideration of other health issues the person may have.
• Treatment options :
o Surgery
o Laser surgery
o Radiation therapy
o Chemotherapy
o Combination therapy
How can cancer larynx be prevented?
• Do not smoke
• Do not drink alcohol excessively
90 % cancer larynx patients smoke and drink hence avoidance of these bad habits go a long way in prevention
Prompt consultation with an ENT specialist in your locality in case of persistent hoarseness is an important step in early detection and cure.