Laryngeal cancer is the name given to a malignant tumor located in the larynx. It is the most common cancer in the head and neck area and is also known as laryngeal carcinoma or laryngeal tumor. The malignant tissue growth mainly affects men over 65. Laryngeal cancer can sometimes cause loss of voice.
Further information on laryngeal cancer and doctors for the treatment of laryngeal cancer can be found below.
The larynx is located in the throat and connects the pharynx with the oesophagus and windpipe. It enables speech and breathing.
The malignant laryngeal tumor occurs in three forms:
In advanced stages, laryngeal carcinoma forms metastases. They first appear in the neighboring lymph nodes and later in more distant regions of the body.
Statistically, 6 out of 10 people with laryngeal cancer are still alive 5 years after diagnosis (five-year prognosis).
The location and anatomy of the larynx © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
Smoking is considered the main risk factor for the development of this malignant tumor. Excessive consumption of alcohol also contributes to the development of laryngeal cancer. Smoking and alcohol have a direct influence on the formation of pathologically altered cells.
In addition, infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV) can promote the occurrence of laryngeal tumors.
Toxic chemical substances such as
increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer later in life. Some occupational groups come into contact with these toxic substances. Older houses may also contain asbestos cement panels, which increase the risk of cancer for residents.
Laryngeal cancer can also be genetic.
The symptoms of laryngeal cancer depend on where the tumor forms on the larynx.
In the early stages of vocal cord cancer, those affected are often hoarse and have to clear their throat. This form of cancer can therefore be diagnosed at an early stage.
Other signs of laryngeal cancer are persistent scratchiness in the throat and a chronic cough. This is followed by clearly audible breathing noises and shortness of breath.
Supraglottic tumors can usually only be detected at a late stage. The patients
Laryngeal tumors locatedbelow the glottis (glottis) manifest themselves in the form of
noticeable.
Hoarseness lasting longer than 3 weeks without any other recognizable cause (sore throat) may indicate laryngeal cancer. If you have these symptoms, please contact an ear, nose and throat specialist as soon as possible.
Advanced laryngeal cancer presents with less specific signs such as
If a laryngeal tumor is suspected, the doctor will first perform a laryngoscopy. This is usually done with the help of a flexible endoscope and 90° angled optics. The patient is under general anesthesia. During the laryngoscopy, the doctor takes a tissue sample and sends it to the laboratory for examination. There it is examined for cancer cells.
Palpation of the throat or an ultrasound examination may also reveal swollen lymph nodes.
A microlaryngoscopy provides further information. For example, the doctor can see whether the tumor is growing inwards, outwards or under the mucous membrane and whether the vocal cords are still mobile.
Imaging technologies such as
show the exact location and extent of the tumor.
The ENT specialist must also clarify whether there is another malignant tumor, for example in the oesophagus or lungs. To do this, he performs an esophagoscopy andbronchoscopy.
An X-ray of the lungs shows the size and location of the tumor.
The treatment of laryngeal cancer depends on
The patient's state of health and age also play a role in the decision.
Based on these factors, the specialist will advise surgery and/or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Sometimes the latter are also used together.
Early-stage laryngeal cancer has a favorable prognosis, as it can often be completely removed by surgery.
If it is located in an area that is easily accessible via the mouth, the tumor can be removed endoscopically and microscopically using a laser. This minimally invasive procedure leaves only a small incision and spares healthy tissue.
If this is not possible, the larynx is opened with a scalpel.
Patients usually have difficulty breathing after the operation. An artificial airway (tracheostoma) is usually placed temporarily at the front of the throat to ensure that the patient can breathe properly.
Laryngeal tumors in advanced stages are more difficult to operate on. They can only be treated by complete removal of the larynx(laryngectomy). If the cervical lymph nodes are already affected, they must also be removed.
After the surgical procedure, patients need a tracheostoma and speak through an artificial speaking valve.
Tumor cells may still be present in the body after the operation. In order to kill these, radiotherapy and/or medication (conservative treatment) is used in advanced tumor stages.
If the risk of surgery is too great for the patient, conservative therapy is the only treatment option. This is also the case at an earlier stage of the tumor.
In the 5 years following the operation, the patient should undergo regular check-ups.
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