Laryngeal Cancer : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
When a person has laryngeal cancer, this condition can be detected with the appearance of symptoms of hoarseness , difficulty breathing, and sore throat. Severe laryngeal cancer requires removal of the larynx. This causes interference in speech and the patient will need an artificial hole in the neck to help him breathe.
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Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer
If the condition is still mild, cancer can not show symptoms. But if it causes symptoms, symptoms of laryngeal cancer are easily detected compared to other cancers. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:- Hoarseness
- Cough up blood
- Earache
- Sore throat
- Weight loss drastically
- There is a lump or swelling in the neck
- Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
- Breathing difficulties
Most laryngeal cancers grow and develop in squamous cells that make up the wall of the inside part.
Causes and Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer
The exact cause of laryngeal cancer is still unknown. However, this cancer can be triggered by several risk factors. Among others are:- Smoking .
- Aged over 60 years.
- Alcoholism.
- There are families who have a history of throat cancer.
- Suffering from certain genetic conditions, such as Fanconi anemia .
- Nutritional deficiency due to an unhealthy diet.
- Long-term exposure to asbestos dust.
- Infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) .
Diagnosis and Laryngeal Cancer Stage
If the patient is suspected of having laryngeal cancer based on the symptoms, the doctor needs to do an examination. One of them is to use a mirror as a tool to see the condition of the throat and larynx. Nasoendoscopy or endoscopy of the nose to the larynx can also be used to see the condition of the larynx.If visually found laryngeal cancer is possible, then the examination can be continued with a biopsy, which is by taking a suspected tissue sample to be examined under a microscope.
If the biopsy results show the patient is positive for laryngeal cancer, then scanning via CT scan or MRI needs to be done to see how large the tumor growth is, and whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other body areas.
The results of the examination will be a reference to determine the stage of cancer suffered by the patient, with the following criteria:
- Stage 0. Also called c inoma in situ . The appearance of abnormal cells that can become cancerous and potentially spread to other cells.
- Stage I. Abnormal cells in the larynx have turned into cancer, small in size, but not yet spread.
- Stage II. Cancer gets bigger but hasn't spread yet.
- Stage III. Cancer gets bigger and begins to spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV. Cancer has spread to other tissues and organs located far from the larynx. This condition is called metastasis.
Steps to Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer
Treatment of laryngeal cancer must be adjusted according to the patient's condition. The doctor will consider the appropriate treatment method, by first checking the exact location of the tumor and the severity of the patient's condition. In dealing with laryngeal cancer, there are 3 common actions, namely radiotherapy , chemotherapy, and surgery. Each action is intended to inhibit cancer growth, destroy, or relieve symptoms.The chances of laryngeal cancer patients can be cured will be higher if treated since the cancer is still in a mild level. However, if the condition is classified as severe and difficult to cure, then the treatment provided aims to relieve existing symptoms and prevent the tumor from growing bigger.
- Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a procedure that uses radiation to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. This procedure is usually used to treat mild laryngeal cancer. In addition, radiotherapy is also used as a supporting procedure for surgical removal of tumors. Radiotherapy is done in order to reduce the tumor so it is easily removed.
- Operation. There are 3 types of surgery that can be done to treat laryngeal cancer. The doctor will determine the type of surgery that suits the patient's condition. Here are the types of surgery to treat laryngeal cancer:
- Resecsy endoscopic correction. Endoscopic resection is done to treat tumors that are still relatively small by cutting them. This procedure uses a tool in the form of a hose that has a camera and a special cutting device in it. Endoscopic resection does not require an external incision. Operating instruments will be inserted into the larynx by mouth.
- Partial laryngectomy. This procedure is done to cut off the problematic larynx. In contrast to endoscopic resection, a partial laryngectomy procedure is performed by making an incision in the neck to remove the tumor. After the tumor has been removed, a stoma or hole will be needed to help the patient talk and breathe for a while, before the wound is completely healed.
- Total laryngectomy. This procedure is performed when the cancer is in a severe condition so the entire larynx must be cut. This makes the patient's speech ability abnormal. The patient will need a permanent stoma to help him breathe.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a therapy that uses special drugs to kill or stop cancer growth. Chemotherapy is done when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. This therapy can also be combined with radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery to treat cancer.
Each treatment has different side effects. Inflammation of the mucous layer (mucosa) of the throat, dry mouth , and changes in the skin are side effects that often occur in radiotherapy. In chemotherapy, side effects that often appear include nausea and vomiting. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of each treatment method.
Laryngeal Cancer Complications
Complications that can occur, whether caused by laryngeal cancer or by treatment measures, are:- Dysphagia
- Loss of voice
- Disturbance in the function of the tongue in taste
- Decreased immune system function
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Hard to breath
- Having difficulty swallowing
- Changes to the skin
- Inflammation of the throat mucosa or deep lining of the throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Malnutrition
Laryngeal Cancer Prevention
Some efforts that can be done in reducing the risk of developing laryngeal cancer include:- Avoid smoking.
- Stop consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Eat foods that are rich in nutrients, especially foods that contain antioxidants, such as strawberries, nuts, and spinach.
- Use personal protective equipment when doing activities or working in a place that is at risk of causing toxic exposure.