Laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a condition characterized by a malignant laryngeal tumor, which is part of the respiratory tract, where the vocal cords are located, which is located after the throat and before the trachea. In addition to its role in the respiratory system, the larynx also plays a role in the ability to speak, so it is often called voice messages.

When a person has laryngeal cancer, this disease can be detected with symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and sore throat. Laryngeal cancer that is classified as severe requires removal of the larynx. This causes speech problems and patients will need an artificial hole in the neck to help them breathe.


Symptoms of laryngeal cancer

If the disease is still benign, the cancer may 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
  • Remove blood
  • Earache
  • Sore throat
  • Drastic weight loss
  • There is a size or swelling in the neck
  • Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty in breathing

Most laryngeal cancer develops and develops in squamous cells that form the inner wall of the larynx.

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:

  • Smoke.
  • Over 60 years.
  • Alcohol addiction.
  • There is a family with a history of throat cancer.
  • Suffer from certain genetic conditions, such as Fanconi anemia.
  • Poor nutrition due to unhealthy diets.
  • Long-term exposure to asbestos dust.
  • Infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Diagnosis and stage of laryngeal cancer

If the patient suspects laryngeal cancer due to symptoms, the doctor must conduct an examination. One method is to use tools such as mirrors to see the condition of the throat and larynx. Naso-endoscopy or laryngeal endoscopy can also be used to visualize the condition of the larynx.

If there is a risk of laryngeal cancer with the naked eye, the examination can be followed by a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue that is thought to be examined under a microscope.

If the biopsy results show that the patient is positive for laryngeal cancer, a CT scan or MRI must be performed to determine the rate of tumor growth and whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body parts.

The results of the examination will serve as a reference to determine the stage of cancer achieved by the patient, with the following criteria:

  • Stage 0. Also called carcinoma in situ. The appearance of abnormal cells that can become cancerous and potentially spread to other cells.
  • Stage I. Abnormal laryngeal cells have turned into cancer, small but not yet spread.
  • Step II Cancer has grown but has not spread.
  • Step III The cancer grows and begins to spread to the nearest tissue or lymph node.
  • Step IV The cancer has spread to tissues and other organs that are located far from the larynx. This condition is called metastasis.

Stage of Laryngeal Cancer Treatment

Laryngeal cancer treatment must be adjusted to the patient's condition. The doctor will check the appropriate treatment method by first checking the exact location of the tumor and the severity of the patient's condition.

In the treatment of laryngeal cancer, there are 3 general actions: radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Every action aims to inhibit the growth of cancer, destroy or reduce existing symptoms.

The chances of people with laryngeal cancer being cured will be greater if they are treated because the cancer is still moderate. However, if the condition is classified as severe and difficult to treat, the treatment provided aims to relieve the symptoms and prevent the tumor from growing.

Radiotherapy. Radiation therapy is a procedure that uses radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. This procedure is generally used to treat laryngeal cancer that is still mild. In addition, radiotherapy is also used as a complementary procedure in the context of surgical removal of the tumor. Radiation therapy is done to minimize the tumor so that it can be easily removed.

Surgery There are 3 types of surgeries that can be performed 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:

Endoscopic Resection. Endoscopic resection is performed to treat a relatively small tumor by cutting it. This procedure uses pipes in the form of cameras and special cutting tools. Endoscopic resection does not require an external incision. Surgical instruments will be inserted into the larynx through the mouth.

Partial laryngectomy. This procedure is done to cut the problematic part of the 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 is removed, an ostomy or hole will be needed to help the patient talk and breathe for a while, before the tumor wound heals completely.

Total laryngectomy
This procedure is done when the cancer is in a very bad condition so that the entire larynx needs to be cut. This makes the patient's speech 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 the growth of cancer. Chemotherapy is done when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This therapy can also be associated with radiation therapy as an alternative surgery to treat cancer.

Each treatment has different side effects. Inflammation of the mucous lining (mucous membranes) of the throat, dry mouth and changes in the skin are common side effects of radiotherapy. In chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting are often side effects. Consult with your doctor about the benefits and risks of each treatment method.

Complications of laryngeal cancer

Complications that may occur, whether caused by laryngeal cancer or by treatment measures, namely:

  • dysphagia
  • Lost his
  • Altered function of the tongue in taste
  • Decreased immune system function
  • Dry mouth
  • fatigue
  • hard to breathe
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Changes to the skin
  • Inflammation of the lining of the throat or the lining of the throat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • malnutrition

Prevention of laryngeal cancer


Some of the efforts that can be made to reduce the risk of laryngeal cancer include:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Stop consuming alcoholic drinks.
  • Eat foods rich in nutrients, especially foods that contain antioxidants, such as strawberries, nuts and spinach.
  • Use personal protective equipment when doing activities or in areas that might cause toxic exposure.

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