Information From Your Health Care Provider

LARYNGEAL CANCER

(Larynx Cancer)

Basic information

description

Laryngeal cancer is cancer of the larynx (voice box). The larynx is about 2 inches long and 2 inches wide and located at the back of the throat. It plays a role in helping a person breathe, swallow, and talk. This type of cancer affects adults, usually over age 40, and is more common in men than in women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Few or no symptoms in early stages.
Hoarseness; scratchy, weak, or changed voice that does not go away.
"Lump-in-the-throat" feeling.
Painful or difficult swallowing.
Trouble breathing.
Hard, swollen lymph glands in the neck.
Weight loss.
Ear pain.
Chronic cough.

causes

Exact cause is unknown. Smoking or alcohol abuse are known major risk factors.

risk increases with

Age over 55. Men more than women.
African Americans more than whites.
Smoking and/or excess alcohol use.
Having had head or neck cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, or asbestos.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Don't smoke. Don't drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks, if any, a day. Avoid exposure to known toxins.

expected outcomes

Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcome. Later diagnosis or spread of cancer has poorer outlook.

possible complications

Complications arise from treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery) that may affect the voice, breathing, swallowing, and eating.
Spread of cancer in the body, which can be fatal.
Cancer may recur after treatment.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. A variety of medical tests will be done to verify the exact type of cancer cells, the grade (fast or slow growing), and if the cancer has spread (called staging) to other places in the body.
Treatment will depend on the cancer type, grade and location, its stage, your health, age, and preferences. Preserving a good voice quality is a goal of treatment. Your health care provider will discuss your specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations with you.
Surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) are the usual treatment steps. Other treatments are being studied.
Advanced cancer often requires surgery. Part or all of the larynx may be removed (laryngectomy). A tracheostomy is performed. This is an opening (stoma) in the throat for breathing. It may be temporary or permanent. A "trach" tube or stoma button keeps it open.
After larynx removal, therapy will help patients learn to breathe, swallow, eat, and talk. Talking will involve learning esophageal speech or use of a mechanical device.
Stop smoking. Find a way to quit that works for you.
Good mouth care helps keep teeth and gums healthy.
Consider joining a self-help or cancer support group.
To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

Anticancer (chemotherapy) drugs may be prescribed.

activity

Following larynx removal surgery, you should be able to do almost all the activities you did before. Straining and heavy lifting may be difficult since you cannot hold your breath. You can shower by using a shield over the stoma. Avoid swimming and water activities unless special instructions and equipment are used.

diet

Diet changes depend on the treatment. Surgery may require a liquid diet at first, then a soft diet. Learning to swallow again will take practice. Several small meals and snacks during the day may make eating easier.
Avoid alcohol.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of larynx (laryngeal) cancer.
New symptoms occur during or after treatment.