Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the larynx (voice box).
The larynx is part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea). It plays an important role in helping you breathe and speak.
The condition is more common in people over the age of 60. It's about four times more common in men than women.
The main symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:
- a change in your voice, such as sounding hoarse
- pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- a lump or swelling in your neck
- a long-lasting cough
- a persistent sore throat or earache
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
Some people may also experience bad breath, breathlessness, a high-pitched wheezing noise when breathing, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue (extreme tiredness).
Diagnosing lyrangeal (voice box) cancer:
The diagnosis can be done through complete
- Medical History
- Physical Exmaination
- Endoscopy
- Scans
- Transnasal Esophagoscopy
- FNAC
- Biopsy
Treatment depends on the site as well as the stage of disease. It may be treated by radiation or surgery if early. Surgery can be performed by laser operation.
In advanced cancer of the voice-box, treatment is by chemotherapy and radiation.
Visit your ENT specialist at Aadil Hospital if you have had any of the main symptoms listed above for more than three weeks.