Laryngeal cancer, also known as laryngeal carcinoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the larynx, which is commonly referred to as the voice box. The larynx is located in the throat and plays a vital role in voice production and the passage of air to the lungs. Laryngeal cancer typically affects the squamous cells lining the interior of the larynx.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer can vary, but they often include:
Hoarseness or voice changes: Persistent hoarseness or a significant change in the voice is one of the most common early signs of laryngeal cancer.
Sore throat or persistent cough: Chronic sore throat or a persistent cough that doesn't resolve over time.
Difficulty swallowing: Painful or difficult swallowing, also known as dysphagia.
Ear pain: Unexplained pain in the ears.
Lump or swelling in the neck: A noticeable lump or swelling in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes.
Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath or noisy breathing due to obstruction in the airway.
Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss may occur as a result of difficulty eating or swallowing.
CAUSES OF LARYNGEAL CANCER
The exact causes of laryngeal cancer are not fully understood, but several factors have been identified as potential risk factors:
Smoking:
Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, is the most significant risk factor for laryngeal cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption:
Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
Age and gender:
Laryngeal cancer is more common in individuals over the age of 55, and it affects men more frequently than women.
HPV infection:
Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, has been linked to an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals:
Prolonged exposure to certain workplace chemicals, such as asbestos, wood dust, and paint fumes, may increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
types of laryngeal cancer
. The types of laryngeal cancer can be classified based on the specific cells from which they originate. The main types of laryngeal cancer are:
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC):
This is the most common type of laryngeal cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. SCC originates in the thin, flat cells that line the inner surface of the larynx.
Adenocarcinoma:
This type of laryngeal cancer originates in the glandular cells of the larynx. Adenocarcinomas are less common than squamous cell carcinomas.
Adenosquamous carcinoma:
This is a rare type of laryngeal cancer that contains a mix of both squamous and glandular cells. It has characteristics of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Small cell carcinoma:
Small cell carcinoma of the larynx is a rare and aggressive type of cancer. It develops from neuroendocrine cells in the larynx and tends to spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Sarcoma:
Laryngeal sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the connective tissues of the larynx, such as muscles, cartilage, or blood vessels.
Diagnosis:
Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination, including a thorough examination of the throat and neck.
Imaging tests: Imaging techniques such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may be used to visualize the larynx and determine the extent of the cancer.
Biopsy:
A tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area in the larynx for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Staging:
Once cancer is confirmed, staging is done to determine the extent of the disease. It helps guide treatment decisions.
Staging involves evaluating the tumor's size, depth of invasion, involvement of nearby tissues or lymph nodes, and the presence of distant metastasis.
The most commonly used staging system for laryngeal cancer is the TNM system, which stands for tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis.
Treatment options:
The treatment approach for laryngeal cancer depends on the cancer stage, location, and your overall health. The main treatment options include:
Surgery:
Surgical procedures may involve removing part of the larynx (partial laryngectomy) or the entire larynx (total laryngectomy). In some cases, lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed.
Radiation therapy:
High-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, are used to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery.
Chemotherapy:
Drugs are administered either orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy (chemoradiotherapy) or before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy).
Targeted therapy:
This approach involves using drugs that specifically target certain molecular changes or proteins in cancer cells to inhibit their growth.
Rehabilitation and supportive care:
Following surgery or other treatments, speech therapy and swallowing therapy may be recommended to help restore speech and swallowing abilities.
For patients who undergo total laryngectomy, alternative methods of communication, such as artificial larynx devices or surgical voice restoration procedures, may be explored.
Supportive care, including pain management, nutritional support, and psychological support, plays a crucial role in the overall management of laryngeal cancer.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up:
After treatment, regular follow-up visits are important to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications.
Imaging tests and periodic examinations of the larynx and neck are typically conducted to detect any recurrence at an early stage.
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