Other Names Malignant Laryngeal Tumors Malignant laryngeal tumors or laryngeal cancer is cancer that affects the larynx, which is part of the throat. It occurs when certain cells grow uncontrollably, and when the cells multiply, they invade and damage the body, and these malignant cancer cells begin in the larynx. Laryngeal cancer is part of the group
Head and neck cancers.
Learn more information about laryngeal tumors
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer
It is easy to confuse the symptoms of laryngeal cancer with other conditions, so among the most prominent tumors of the larynx are the following:
1. Symptoms of laryngeal tumors: General
These include
Sore throat.
persistent cough
changing the voice.
Hoarseness
Pain or difficulties when swallowing.
A lump in the neck or throat.
Dysphonia, problems producing vocal sounds.
earache
2. Symptoms that require a visit to the doctor
Such as
Breathing difficulty.
Noisy, high-pitched breathing.
The feeling that there is something in the throat.
coughing up blood
Causes and risk factors for laryngeal cancer
Among the most prominent causes and risk factors leading to tumors of the larynx, they include the following:
1. Causes of laryngeal tumors
The causes of laryngeal tumors have not been known yet, but smoking and alcohol are among the most prominent factors that cause laryngeal tumors, and some types of human papillomavirus can also cause laryngeal cancer.
2. Risk factors leading to tumors of the larynx
In addition to smoking and alcohol causing laryngeal cancer, there are some other factors that may increase this risk:
Age: Laryngeal cancer occurs more often in people 55 years of age or older.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop laryngeal tumors, possibly because smoking and heavy drinking are more common in men than in women.
History of head and neck cancer: Some people have head and neck cancer in about 25%.
Function: People who are exposed to certain substances, such as: sulfuric acid, wood dust, and nickel, are more likely to develop laryngeal tumors.
Complications of laryngeal cancer
One of the most prominent complications of laryngeal tumors is the progression of the disease, as it may reach a stage that has invaded the entire body, such as: the thyroid gland, esophagus, tongue, lungs, liver, and bones.
Laryngeal cancer diagnosis
Mostly, the doctor diagnoses the symptoms and confirms the medical history, then recommends some tests, such as:
1. Imaging examinations
A CT or MRI scan provides detailed chest X-rays and can see if cancer has spread to the lungs.
2. Laryngoscopy
The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube containing a lighted camera called an endoscope to examine the larynx.
3. Positron emission tomography examination
During a positron emission tomography scan, the doctor injects a small, safe dose of a radioactive substance into a vein that helps detect abnormal areas. The positron emission tomography machine s three-dimensional images of the energy that the material emits.
4. Biopsy
The doctor removes a small piece of any abnormal tissue in the larynx for examination under a microscope.
Throat cancer treatment
Treatment for laryngeal tumors includes the following
1. Radiotherapy
Specialists deliver high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells, as the radiation only targets the tumor to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
2. Chemotherapy
Certain drugs are used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, and people often receive chemotherapy through a vein.
3. Immunotherapy
Also called biological therapy, this treatment relies on the immune system and the body''s natural defenses to help fight cancer.
4. Surgery
For early laryngeal cancer, it is possible through surgery to remove the tumor while preserving the larynx and the ability to speak and swallow. As for advanced laryngeal cancer, the surgeon often has to remove the entire larynx. Surgical procedures include in detail the following:
Vocal cordectomy: Part or all of the vocal cord is removed, usually through the mouth.
Supraglottic laryngectomy: Supraglottic laryngectomy is done through the neck or through the mouth.
Migraine laryngectomy: half of the larynx is removed and the voice is preserved.
Partial laryngectomy: removes part of the larynx and retains the ability to speak.
Total laryngectomy: The entire larynx is removed through the neck.
Thyroidectomy: removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
Laser surgery: removing the tumor without surgery, but using laser beams.
Throat cancer prevention
Laryngeal tumors cannot be prevented, but the risk of cancer can be reduced by
Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Follow a healthy diet.
Common types
There are three parts of the larynx that may be affected by laryngeal tumors, which are
Above the glottis: It is the upper part, and tumors mostly affect this region by 35%.
The glottis: It is the middle part in which the vocal cords are located, and it affects 60%.
Sublingual: It is the lower part and affects about 5% of people.
It should be noted that laryngeal tumors have two stages, namely
Early laryngeal cancer: As it is in stages 0 - 1 - 2, the tumor is usually small and the cancer has not spread outside the larynx.
Advanced laryngeal cancer: these are stages 3-4, and the tumor has grown significantly, affecting the vocal cords, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body.
