Health Information : Laryngeal Cancer

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What is Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal Cancer is a cancer of larynx (part of throat in the start of trachea containing vocal cords). In this disease, malignant (cancer) cells begin to develop abnormally in the tissues of the larynx. Laryngeal Cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 60 years and it is more common in men than women.

What causes Laryngeal Cancer?

The exact cause of Laryngeal Cancer is not yet known. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase the chances of Laryngeal Cancer, namely:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Family background of this cancer
• Diet rich in red meat, processed food and fried food
• HPV infection
• Exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, paint/diesel fumes, nickel, sulphuric acid fumes, formaldehyde etc.

What are the symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer?

The various signs and symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer are:

• Sore throat
• Persistent cough that doesn’t seem to go away
• Pain/ difficulty while swallowing
• Ear pain
• Lump formed in neck or throat
• Change in voice or hoarseness in voice
• Bad breath
• Breathlessness
• Unexplained weight loss Fatigue

How can Laryngeal Cancer be treated?

The treatment for Laryngeal Cancer depends on the size and location of tumor, age and general health of person. Depending on these, treatment may include:

• Surgery (endoscopic resection, partial laryngectomy, total laryngectomy)
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy

The doctors may use either one of combination of these treatment methods to treat Laryngeal Cancer.