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Glottic Cancer in Smokers: Why Risk Is Higher
By Raveena M Prakash
Glottic cancer is a type of laryngeal cancer that affects the glottis, which is part of the voice box that contains the vocal cords. This type of cancer is a serious condition that can impact the voice, breathing, and overall health, and if not detected early, might spread to surrounding areas of the throat and neck. Among the various risk factors, smoking remains the biggest contributing factor, making smokers far more prone to developing this disease.
In this article, we’ll discover more about how the smokers are at high risk, recognizing early symptoms, and taking preventive measures can save lives.
What is Glottic Cancer?
The glottis is the middle part of the larynx, containing the vocal cords. Glottic cancer begins here and might affect one or both vocal cords. Early-stage glottic cancers often present with subtle symptoms, making awareness crucial. The vocal cords are involved in speech, voice changes are often the first noticeable signs, which can sometimes allow for earlier cancer diagnosis when compared to other types of throat cancers.
If these types of throat cancers are left untreated, glottic cancer progresses to involve the supraglottis (upper larynx), sub glottis (lower larynx), or lymph nodes in the neck, making treatment more challenging. Advanced stages of cancer might require more aggressive types of therapy, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, which can significantly impact the quality of life.
Why smokers are at high risk
Smoking cigarettes and tobacco products is considered the most significant risk factor for glottic cancer. Several mechanisms explain why smoking and tobacco use drastically increase the risk of developing these diseases.
Exposure to carcinogens
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are known as carcinogens, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. All of the chemicals directly damage the DNA in cells lining the vocal cords. Over time, repeated damage can trigger mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which is the hallmark of cancer.
Chronic irritation and inflammation
Smoking causes a constant irritation of the laryngeal mucosa. Chronic inflammation weakens the body’s natural repair mechanisms and increases the risk of precancerous lesions forming if this chronic irritation makes the vocal cords especially vulnerable to malignant changes in the lungs.
Synergestic effect with alcohol
Many smokers have a habit of consuming alcohol while smoking, which increases the risk. Alcohol acts as a solvent, allowing carcinogens in tobacco to penetrate tissue more easily. When combined together, smoking and alcohol use can increase the risk of glottic cancer by up to 15 times compared to non-smokers who do not drink.
Immune system suppression
Smoking can also suppress the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to detect and destroy any abnormal cells. This weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to prevent cancerous growths in the vocal cords surrounding tissues.
Symptoms to Watch for
Early cancer diagnosis is crucial to successful cancer treatment. Smokers should pay close attention to persistent and constant symptoms, including:
- Hoarseness or persistent voice changes lasting more than two weeks
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
- Persistent cough or sensation of a lump in the throat
- Ear pain without signs of infection
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also occur due to benign conditions, but in smokers, especially for those over 40, they should never be ignored.
Consulting an ENT specialist for a laryngoscopy or other diagnostic tests can ensure early diagnosis.
Risk statistics
According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are 6 to 10 times more likely to develop laryngeal cancers than non-smokers.
In India, there are studies that show that more than 80% of glottic cancers occur in individuals with a previous history of smoking or tobacco use.
Early-stage glottic cancer has a five-year survival rate exceeding 80-90%, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and effective cancer treatments.
All of these statistics emphasize that smoking is not just a risk factor, but is often the primary cause of glottic cancer.
Prevention and Risk reduction
While glottic cancer is serious, it is highly preventable, especially by addressing lifestyle factors, including:
- Quit smoking: This is the most effective step to reduce the risk. Even long-term smokers benefit, as quitting allows the body to begin repairing damaged tissues.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Reducing the consumption of alcohol helps to lower the combined risk associated with tobacco use.
- Regular checkups: Smokers, especially those above the age of 40, should schedule routine ENT checkups to detect any early lesions.
- Healthy diet and dehydration: Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants helps to maintain healthy laryngeal tissues and supports the immune function.
- Voice care: Avoid excessive levels of shouting, strain, or irritation of the vocal cords, which might compound the damage in smokers.
Treatment options
The treatment option for this particular cancer in smokers mainly depends on the stage and spread of the cancer.
These may include:
In early-stage glottic cancer
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
These treatments often preserve the voice function if detected early.
Advanced-stage glottic cancer
In advanced or metastatic glottic cancer, combination therapy with surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy is also used to treat these cases.
- Total laryngectomy may be necessary in some severe cases.
- Speech and voice rehabilitation after treatment is crucial.
Early cancer diagnosis helps to improve and often allows for less invasive cancer treatment, preserving both the health and quality of life of patients.
Consult Today
Glottic cancer is a serious and complex condition that disproportionately affects smokers due to carcinogen exposure, chronic inflammation, and immune suppression. Meanwhile, the good news is that many cases are preventable through smoking cessation, lifestyle changes, and regular medical checkups.
If you are a smoker experiencing constant hoarseness, throat discomfort, or difficulty in swallowing, then you should not ignore these signs. Awareness, early diagnosis, and proactive cancer care can significantly improve the treatment outcomes, preserve voice function, and save lives.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Hospital and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Smoking causes vocal cords to harmful carcinogens that damage cells and increase cancer risks over time.
Experiencing a constant hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than 2 weeks is considered as an early warning sign.
Yes, quitting smoking habits can significantly reduce the risk of and help the body to repair damaged throat tissues.
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