Laryngeal cancer, or larynx cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that starts in the larynx or voice box located in the throat. This is where the vocal cords vibrate to make speech, create sound, breathe, and swallow. The larynx is located below the throat (pharynx). Most of this type of cancer starts in the thin, flat cells of the larynx lining. The risk is higher in people who smoke or drink heavily, but other risk factors include viral infections (such as HPV) and coming in contact with toxic chemicals.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to good outcomes and are dependent on trusting a specialist. Delhi’s leading larynx cancer specialist caters to patients with these kinds of cancers with modern care and personalized treatment plans.
What is Larynx Cancer?
Breathing, speaking, and swallowing depend on a vital organ called the larynx. Larynx cancer starts when the cells lining the larynx become abnormal and continue to grow out of control, even though they are found in the larynx. Larynx cancer is treated by laryngological surgery according to the stage and overall health of the patient. It consists of the vocal cords and is further divided into three regions:
Glottis: That middle part with the vocal cords.
Supraglottis: The part above the vocal cords.
Subglottis: That part of the throat below the vocal cords.
Signs and Symptoms of Larynx Cancer
Early recognition of the symptoms of larynx cancer can significantly improve the chances of a successful treatment. Common symptoms include-
Hoarseness or voice changes that last for 2 weeks or longer
Sore throat
Difficulty in swallowing
Cough or difficulty breathing that continues for several weeks
Lump or swelling in the neck
The pain or discomfort of the ear without infection
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a Larynx Cancer Doctor in Delhi and see him for an evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Larynx cancer comes from mutations within larynx cells that cause them to grow out of control. Factors that increase risk include-
Smoking and Tobacco Use: The most common type of larynx cancer.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Combined with smoking, it amplifies the risk.
HPV Infection: Some head and neck cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Family History: It may be due to a genetic predisposition.
Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Working in industries with dangerous fumes or asbestos.
Stages of Larynx Cancer
The stage of larynx cancer is determined by its size, whether it has spread, or its impact on lymph nodes-.
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Although the cells are abnormal, they still have not spread to other cells.
Stage I: It affects only a part of the larynx and does not affect vocal cord mobility.
Stage II: It has spread to the areas around the larynx.
Stage III: Vocal cord mobility is affected by cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to nearby tissues.
Stage IV: Cancer that has advanced to other parts of the body and usually cannot be cured with treatment.
Treatment for Larynx Cancer
Surgery
Partial Laryngectomy: It removes part of the larynx but preserves voice function.
Total Laryngectomy: In very severe cases, it removes the whole larynx, and the patient can speak only by an alternative method.
Radiation Therapy
This is often used for early-stage cancer or those following surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
This treatment is given for advanced cases in combination with radiation treatment.
Targeted Therapy
It uses cancer drugs that target a particular protein or receptor active in the cancer’s growth.
Rehabilitation
Treatment leads to some loss of speech and swallowing, and therapy and rehabilitation are crucial in restoring these critical functionalities of the body.
Always keep your health in control and get expert guidance from the best Larynx Cancer Doctor in Delhi, Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Early signs include persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat lasting for more than two weeks. One must immediately visit the larynx cancer specialist in Delhi if any sign shows up.
Total laryngectomy may be necessary in advanced cases but may reasonably tolerate alternative speaking methods such as voice prostheses.
Cancer
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