Laryngeal Cancer: A Detailed Overview and Stages Explained
Did you know larynx cancer is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, laryngeal cancer represents around 0.7% of all new cancer cases across the globe. About 12,620 new cases of it were detected in 2021.
We understand that getting diagnosed with cancer can sometimes be overwhelming. Typically, people with cancer develop depression. However, getting the correct treatment from the right doctor at the right time can help you defeat it.
Also, advanced technology for laryngeal cancer treatment and modern infrastructure help doctors to provide the best treatment to their patients.
Let me share the successful treatment story of one of our clients, Mr. Mohammed Bello Sule, who contacted us for treatment for his laryngeal cancer.
Mr. Sule is a 55-year-old senior pharma executive from Abuja, Nigeria.
Mr. Sule is a busy corporate with a beautiful family. Despite the busy schedule Mr. Sule ensured to spend quality time with his family. Apart from spending time with his family, Mr. Sule likes to sing in family/office events. While rehearsing for an event, Mr. Sule felt hoarseness in his voice, but he dismissed it as a sore throat.
A few days later, he went for a routine checkup, where his doctor enquired about his sore throat. After an initial examination of the throat, the doctor suspected it was a case of acid reflux. Still, the doctor suggested Mr. Sule visit a specialist as he felt that something was amiss with Mr. Sule’s right vocal cord.
Mr. Sule booked an appointment with the specialist, who suggested that Mr. Sule undergo a biopsy and a CT scan. The CT scan reports indicated an outgrowth. Meanwhile, the family crossed their fingers while praying for a negative biopsy result. On the contrary, the biopsy reports came back positive, confirming laryngeal cancer. The diagnosis of cancer left the family depressed.Â
Nevertheless, the family united together and decided to fight cancer that had infiltrated stealthily. The family started to look for treatment options and visited a few oncologists in Abuja and Lagos.
However, the family was not convinced by the treatment offered by any of the oncologists for Mr. Sule. The surgeons advocated for that surgery, while the radiologist suggested radiotherapy.Â
Disheartened by the treatment options available, Cumba, Mr. Sule’s daughter, searched online for treatment for it. While browsing the internet, Cumba got to know about the tumor board.
However, the family was unable to get a holistic view regarding the treatment. Finally, the family got in touch with MedicoExperts for a solution.
Cumba shared the medical reports of her father with us. Once we received the reports we presented the case to the tumor board. Based on the initial reports, the tumor board advised a combination treatment for Mr. Sule.
The combination treatment involved surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, the board further clarified that the final treatment protocol will be advised after a thorough physical examination. Once all the doubts of the Sule family were cleared regarding the treatment procedure, our team arranged a video call with the head of the board.
The tumor board included medical oncologists, radiologists, cancer surgeons, otolaryngologists, and psychologists. After the video consultation, the Sule family was convinced by the treatment protocol and decided to come to India.
After the Sule family arrived in India, Mr. Sule got admitted to one of the empanelled NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals. After the initial investigations, the treatment protocol was slightly modified based on the new findings.
It took around two months for Mr. Sule to become cancer-free. After two months, the Sule family was happy with the treatment in India. The family returned to Abuja after defeating cancer.
The family was touched by the hospitality, care, guidance, and outcomes of the treatment. The family thanked MedicoExperts and doctors from the bottom of their hearts.
Mr. Sule now leads a happy, cancer-free life with his family.
The story of Mr. Sule can be your victory over the cancer story, too. What you need is the right guidance, the right doctor, the right treatment, the right hospital at the right time.
Before we move ahead in the discussion, let’s first understand the larynx and its cancer.
The larynx is the voice box of the human body, which is anatomically placed in the throat. The larynx is encased by the laryngeal cartilage and muscle that enables you to talk.
Apart from producing sound, the larynx also plays a crucial role in preventing inhalation of food and in breathing.
Although a small organ, the larynx can be divided into three parts:
- The supraglottis,
- The glottis, and
- The subglottis,
About 60% of laryngeal cancer develops in the glottis.
It is a common type of throat cancer that affects the larynx, causing an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells present in the larynx.
It is common among people with a history of smoking. However, some people can develop laryngeal cancer without any known cause.
What are the Different Stages of Laryngeal Cancer?
Before understanding the different stages of it, let’s understand staging. Staging is a process by which doctors determine the extent of the spread of cancer.Â
It can broadly have five stages. Stage 0, or carcinoma in situ, is the initial grade. Typically, the main stages of laryngeal cancer include stages one to four.Â
Apart from these four numbers, some of the stages can further be divided into A, B, C, D. The lower number and earlier alphabet signify the lower stages of cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What are the warning signs of laryngeal cancer?
A. Generally, the warning signs of laryngeal cancer depend on the location of the cancer. Sometimes, there are no warning signs. However, if you experience the following signs or symptoms for more than two weeks, it may be laryngeal cancer:
- Hoarseness or change in voice
- Swelling in the throat
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing or chewing food
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Sore throat
Q2. How long do I need to stay in the hospital after surgery for laryngeal cancer?
A. Typically, you might need to stay in the hospital for around 3-5 days after your surgery for laryngeal cancer.
Q3. Are there any side effects of laryngeal cancer treatment?
A. The side effects of laryngeal cancer treatment depend on the treatment chosen.Â
A few people may experience the following side effects after chemotherapy:
- Excessive hair fall
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Altered appetite
- Mouth ulcers
- Bitterness in the mouth
- Constantly dry mouth
People who went under the knife usually experience the following side effects of laryngeal cancer surgery includes:Â
- Stiffness and pain in the shoulder and neck.
Rarely,
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling
- Pain and bleeding
If you experience pain, chills, fever, swelling or bleeding after the surgery, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Usually, people experience the following side effects after radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Altered taste
- Mouth ulcers
- Fatigue
Q4. Where does laryngeal cancer spread first?
A. The lymph nodes that run along the side of the neck, known as the “jugular chain,” are the first lymph nodes where cancer cells spread. They’re in front of the major neck muscles on each side that contract when the head is turned to one side or the other.
Q5. What increases my risk of developing laryngeal cancer?
A. Older men are at high risk of developing cancer. Apart from older men, people who smoke or consume too much alcohol are also at an elevated risk of developing it.
Q6. Does throat cancer affect your voice?
A. Among the signs and symptoms of throat cancer are: There’s a cough. Voice changes, such as hoarseness or difficulty speaking clearly and swallowing problems.
Q7. Is postoperative voice therapy required following laryngeal surgery?
A. Following the procedure, post-operative voice therapy is always recommended because it can significantly improve the patient’s voice quality.
Next in Laryngeal Cancer
Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
