What is Laryngeal cancer ?
Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the larynx. The larynx is the part of throat, located between the base of the tongue and the trachea. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce voice.
What should I look for ?
While the tumors that cause Laryngeal cancer are not usually painful, they cause changes in the voice. Some symptoms include :
- Formation of lump in the neck
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Noisy breathing
- A cough that does not go away
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Trouble swallowing and dripping of saliva
- Frequent choking on food
- Pain when swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Unintended weight loss
- Bad breath
- The symptoms might be indicative of other less serious problems. It is hence important to seek your physician’s opinion.
What are the risk factors ?
It has been observed that most Laryngeal cancer patients are older than age 65 and is about four times more common among men than women. However, smokers and chronic drinkers are at an increased risk of Laryngeal cancer. Dietary risk factors include diet that is low in vitamin and mineral content. Exposure to wood dust, paint fume, asbestos, and some other chemicals may also increase the risk.
What is the diagnosis ?
Doctors usually ask for Laryngoscopy to determine out whether a person has Laryngeal cancer. Laryngoscopy is performed in two methods:- In the indirect Laryngoscopy, the doctor looks down the person's throat using a small mirror.
- In the direct Laryngoscopy, a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth, which allows
How is it treated ?
While surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy are the main lines of treatment, doctors choose one or more of the options depending on the stage of the cancer. Stage 1 and 2 laryngeal cancers can be usually treated without totally removing the larynx (Voice Box), whereas stage 3 and 4 cancers often require a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Is Robotic Surgery an option and why ?
- Scar less
- Post operative care is minimal when compared with conventional surgery
- 3D image
- Precise dissection/ less tissue trauma
- Marking the margins before giving incisions