Laryngeal Cancer Treatment in Indore

Laryngeal Cancer: Description and Overview

Laryngeal cancer is the malignancy of the larynx, or voice box, a structure in the neck used in speaking, breathing, and swallowing. The majority of laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, arising from the thin, flat cells lining the larynx. Since voice function may be preserved and overall survival increased, early detection is important.

Causes & Risk Factors

In addition, laryngeal cancer is closely related to lifestyle and environmental factors:

Tobacco use - cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco

Alcohol abuse

Exposure to certain chemicals-for example, asbestos, wood dust

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV)

age above 55 years and male gender

Poor nutrition and a weakened immune system

Symptoms

Symptoms of early-stage laryngeal cancer can be subtle. Common signs include:

Hoarseness, a change in voice, which persists

Sore throat or sensation of something being stuck in the throat

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Persistent cough or throat pain

Earache (referred pain)

Unexplained weight loss

Shortness of breath or noisy breathing, in advanced stages

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves visualisation, imaging, and biopsy:

Laryngoscopy - visual examination of the larynx using a flexible or rigid scope

Biopsy - confirms cancer and cell type

CT scan, MRI, or PET scan: assesses the tumour size, location, and its potential spread

Endoscopy - may assess involvement of nearby structures

Overview of Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, tumour location, and the health of the patient. A multidisciplinary approach is often used to preserve voice and function while removing cancer.

1. Surgery

Partial laryngectomy - removal of part of the larynx, conserving voice

Total laryngectomy - removal of the entire larynx in advanced cases

Neck dissection - removal of lymph nodes if the cancer has spread

2. Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells

It is often used as a primary treatment in early-stage laryngeal cancer or post-surgery to reduce recurrence.

Helps preserve voice in some cases

3. Chemotherapy

Often combined with radiation (chemoradiation) for advanced or locally recurrent tumours

Common drugs: cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, docetaxel

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Cetuximab - directed against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in some tumours.

Immunotherapy can be considered in recurrent or metastatic cases.

5. Palliative Care

For advanced cases, to improve the quality of life

This includes pain management, swallowing support, speech rehabilitation, and nutritional assistance.

Prognosis

Early-stage laryngeal cancer is highly treatable and thus has a high survival rate, especially when treated early.

Advanced disease may necessitate a total laryngectomy, which impacts voice and swallowing.

Prognosis is based on the stage of disease, tumour site, response to treatment, and general health.

Prevention & Monitoring

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption

Eat healthily and maintain a good immune system

HPV vaccination may reduce the risk of virus-related laryngeal cancers. Regular follow-ups with laryngoscopy and imaging for early detection of recurrence