Laryngeal cancer is cancer that grows in the larynx or voice box. Laryngeal cancer is generally characterized by symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty or pain when swallowing, and a persistent cough.
The larynx is part of the respiratory system. This organ connects the trachea (airway) and the windpipe. In addition to having an important role in producing sound, the larynx also functions to prevent food and drink from entering the respiratory tract.
Laryngeal cancer has a different cure rate for each person. This depends on the location of the cancer in the larynx and the stage of the cancer. The sooner laryngeal cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chance for the patient to recover.
Causes and Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer occurs when the DNA in healthy cells in the voice box undergoes changes or mutations. These changes cause these cells to grow abnormally and uncontrollably.
It is not known why mutations in the cells of the larynx occur. However, this condition is thought to be related to the following factors:
- Have a habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages
- Have a family history of throat cancer
- Suffering from certain genetic disorders, such as Fanconi's anemia
- Have a diet that is too much meat and less fruit and vegetables
- Experiencing long-term exposure to asbestos dust or asbestosis
- Suffering from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer
Unlike other types of cancer, the symptoms of laryngeal cancer are generally easy to detect. Symptoms that appear include:
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Earache
- Drastic weight loss
- Persistent cough that may be accompanied by blood
- Neck lump or swelling appears in the neck
- Difficult to breathe
When to go to the doctor
The above symptoms can be caused by diseases other than laryngeal cancer. Therefore, to be sure, check with a doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if the symptoms have lasted more than 1 week or are getting worse.
Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis
To diagnose laryngeal cancer, the doctor will first ask the patient's symptoms, complaints, and medical history. After that, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, including looking at the outside and inside of the throat to detect lumps.
After the question and answer session and a physical examination, the doctor will perform a supporting examination to confirm the diagnosis. These supporting examinations include:
- endoscope
Endoscopy aims to see the condition of the throat and voice box. This procedure is performed by inserting a small tube with a camera (endoscope) through the nostril (nasoendoscopy) or through the mouth (laryngoscopy).
- Biopsy
A biopsy is done by taking a sample of tissue suspected of being cancerous and then examining it under a microscope. Tissue samples can be taken from the voice box through an endoscope or from a lump in the neck by aspiration.
- Scan
Scans to diagnose laryngeal cancer can be done by ultrasound, CT scan, PET scan, or MRI. In addition to aiming to determine the size of the cancer, the scan also serves to detect the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
The results of these examinations will be a reference for doctors to determine the stage or severity of laryngeal cancer. The following are the stages of laryngeal cancer:
- Stage 0
Stage 0 indicates that abnormal cells appear in the larynx and have not spread to other organs. These cells can develop into cancer and spread to other organs.
- Stage IAt this stage, abnormal cells in the larynx have turned into cancer. These cells are still small and have not spread.
- Stage IIStage II indicates that the cancer has grown in size, but has not spread to other organs.
- Stage IIIIn stage III, the cancer grows in size and begins to spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
- Stage IVStage IV indicates that the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other organs of the body that are far from the larynx.
Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
Treatment of laryngeal cancer depends on the location and size of the cancer, as well as the patient's health condition. In laryngeal cancer that is still in its early stages, the doctor will choose surgery or radiotherapy. While in advanced laryngeal cancer, doctors can run a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
All of these treatment methods are carried out to remove or kill cancer cells, as well as relieve the symptoms experienced by the patient. The following is an explanation of each treatment for laryngeal cancer:
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a procedure that uses radiation to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Radiotherapy can be done before surgery, to shrink the tumor for easy removal, or it can be done after surgery, to prevent cancer cells from growing back if there are any left.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the administration of special drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer. Just like radiotherapy, chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery. Chemotherapy may also be used in conjunction with radiotherapy if surgical options are not available.
Surgery
There are three types of surgery to treat laryngeal cancer. The surgical method chosen by the doctor will be adjusted to the patient's condition. The following are the types of surgery:
- Rendoscopic excisionEndoscopic resection is performed to cut out small tumors in the larynx with the help of an endoscope that is inserted through the mouth, so it does not require an external incision. The cutting can be done with a laser or a special surgical instrument that is inserted with the endoscope.
- Partial laryngectomy
Partial laryngectomy is done to cut the part of the larynx that is affected by cancer. This procedure requires an incision in the patient's neck. After the cancer is removed, the doctor will make a temporary hole in the neck to help the patient breathe and talk during the recovery process.
- Total laryngectomyA total laryngectomy is performed to excise the entire larynx. Lymph nodes around the larynx will also be removed if it has cancer. After that, the doctor will make a permanent hole in the neck to help the patient breathe.
Patients undergoing total laryngectomy cannot speak normally as before. However, patients may undergo some therapy to practice other ways of communicating or using sign language.
Laryngeal Cancer Complications
There are a number of complications that can occur in patients with laryngeal cancer. These complications can occur due to laryngeal cancer itself or treatment measures. Some of these complications are:
- Malnutrition
- Lost voice
- Constricted esophagus
- Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
- Disturbance in the function of the tongue in tasting taste
- Formation of scar tissue in the esophagus
- dry mouth
- Weak immune system
Laryngeal Cancer Prevention
Some efforts that can be done to reduce the risk of developing laryngeal cancer are:
- Stop smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods, such as strawberries, beans, and spinach
- Using personal protective equipment when working or doing activities in a place where there is a risk of exposure to hazardous compounds