Table of Contents
How Laryngeal Cancer Starts: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
By Raveena M Prakash
Laryngeal cancer, also commonly known as throat cancer, is a serious and complex condition that affects the larynx. This is a vital organ in your throat responsible for voice production, breathing, and protecting the airway during swallowing. It is a less common type of cancer than cancers such as lung or breast cancer. Laryngeal cancer can have impacts on a person’s health, quality of life, and communication abilities. Early detection is crucial, because it can save lives of the patients or significantly improve survival rates and allow for treatments that help to preserve normal swallowing function.
In this blog, understanding how laryngeal cancer develops, recognizing early warning signs, and knowing when to consult a doctor are essential steps in preventing advanced disease.
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer, also known as cancer of the voice box. These cancers often develop when the cells in the linings in the larynx grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably.
The larynx has been classified into three main regions. The location of the tumor can affect how early it is detected.
- Glottis: The middle part contains the vocal cords. Tumors in the vocal cords cause early voice changes, making them more noticeable in patients.
- Supraglottis: The upper part above the vocal cords. Tumors in this area might remain unnoticed longer because they often do not affect the voice initially.
- Subglottis: The lower part beneath the vocal cords. Cancer here is rare and often detected at an advanced stage.
Most laryngeal cancers begin in the squamous cells, which line the inside of the larynx. These cells are known for their vulnerability to long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoking or alcohol consumption.
According to many studies, genetic mutations can accumulate in a patient's body, which allows abnormal cells to develop a tumor.
If these tumors are left untreated, the cancer might invade the healthy surrounding tissues, spread to lymph nodes in the neck, or metastasize to other parts of the body.
Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer
While laryngeal cancers can occur in anyone, there are certain factors which significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
These may include:
- Tobacco use: People who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are the single biggest risk factor. Chewing tobacco and snuff also increase the risk of developing this cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: People with heavy drinking, especially in combination with smoking, greatly increases the likelihood of cancer.
- Age and gender: In most cases, men with an above age of 55 might tend to develop this cancer.
- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially for HPV-16, is often linked to some throat cancers.
- Occupational toxic exposure: Long-term exposure to asbestos, wood dust, or certain chemicals fumes can increase the risk of occupational toxic exposure.
- Poor diet: People with low intake of fruits and vegetables might contribute to the risk of developing this cancer.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) : Patients with chronic acid reflux can irritate the larynx, increasing risk in some specific cases.
Early Warning Signs
Laryngeal cancer often develops silently in its early stages, making awareness of subtle symptoms often crucial. Early detection can significantly improve the treatment outcomes and preserve the larynx’s functions.
Some warning signs may include:
- Constant hoarseness or voice changes: If you start to experience a raspy, weak, or unusually deep voice that lasts longer than two more weeks.
- Sore throat and pain while swallowing: Discomfort that persists and does not improve with the home remedies.
- Lump or swelling in the neck: This is a sign that cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
- Ear pain: In some cases, throat cancer can cause referred pain to the ears.
- Chronic cough or throat clearing: If you are experiencing chronic cough or throat clearing, especially if it lasts for weeks without any explanation.
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing: If you are constantly experiencing difficulty breathing or noisy breathing, indicates that a tumor may be obstructing the airways.
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue: This is a common and general warning sign that you may need immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
These types of cancers diagnosis typically involves multiple steps to confirm the presence of cancer and assess its stage, including:
- Physical examination: Your doctor checks the mouth, throat, and neck for lumps abnormalities.
- Laryngoscopy: This is a specialised scope that allows visualization of the larynx and vocal cords.
- Imaging tests: These include CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans to determine the size of the tumor and whether it has spread.
- Biopsy: In this process, removing the tissue sample is essential to confirm the type and grade of cancer.
Early diagnosis not only improves the survival chances but also allows for cancer treatments that can preserve voice and swallowing functions, and improves the long-term quality of life.
Treatment options
Laryngeal cancer treatment mainly depends on the tumor location, stage, and overall individual health conditions. A multidisciplinary treatment approach is essential to balance cancer control with functional observation.
Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: These treatments include the removal of the cancerous part (partial laryngectomy) or all (total laryngectomy) of the larynx depending on the tumor size and location.
- Radiation therapy: These treatments are often used for early-stage cancers or after surgery to prevent cancer recurrence.
- Chemotherapy: These treatments are often combined with radiation for more advanced cancer cases.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: New treatment options are used for recurrent or metastatic cancer.
Early-stage laryngeal tumors often require less aggressive cancer treatments, which can preserve speech and swallowing abilities, whereas advanced cancer cases might need a combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy.
Supportive Care and Quality of Life
Beyond getting direct treatment, patients who get supportive care are essential for managing symptoms and maintaining the quality of life. Many patients experience pain, difficulty in swallowing, fatigue, or emotional distress during cancer treatment.
Supportive cancer care focuses on symptom relief, nutritional guidance, psychological support, and helping patients remain as independent and comfortable as possible.
Cancer prevention and lifestyle tips
Not all types of laryngeal cancer can be prevented, but certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk. These may include:
- Avoid the use of tobacco products in all forms.
- Limit the consumption of excessive alcohol, or if you can, avoid it entirely.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Protect yourself against getting an exposure to occupational hazards by using safety equipment when exposed to dust or chemicals.
- Get vaccinated for HPV, if eligible
- Seek an early medical evaluation for persistent throat symptoms, especially if you have risk factors.
Adopting these healthy habits and lifestyle tips may not only lower the risk of laryngeal cancers but also improve overall health and well-being.
Consult Today
Laryngeal cancer develops silently, making awareness of early signs essential. Early warning signs, including constant hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, throat pain, or neck lumps, should never be ignored. Early detection, coupled with healthy lifestyle adjustments and effective treatments, helps to preserve the voice and swallowing function of a patient.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The early signs of laryngeal cancer include hoarseness, voice changes, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, or chronic cough.
People with a high risk of developing laryngeal cancer include excessive smokers, heavy alcohol consumers, men above the age of 55, individuals with HPV infection, and those who are exposed to industrial toxic substances like chemical fumes or wood dust.
Yes, especially if detected in the early stages. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and newer therapies such as immunotherapy. Early diagnosis allows doctors to preserve voice and swallowing functions, improving both survival and quality of life.
Book an Appointment
Related Blogs
Is Throat Cancer Curable? Latest Treatment Approaches Explained
Discover more about throat cancer, if throat cancer is curable, the importance of early diagnosis, advanced treatment approaches for throat cancer, and its prevention!
First Stage Throat Cancer Symptoms – Don’t Ignore These Subtle Changes
Discover the first stage throat cancer symptoms, including voice changes, sore throat, and swallowing issues. Learn why early detection is vital for better recovery.
How Rakesh Roshan Defeated Throat Cancer with Determination
Discover more about Rakesh Roshan’s recovery from throat cancer and the importance of emotional support from your loved ones and family—lessons from his treatment journey!
How to Check for Throat Cancer at Home: Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Discover more about how to identify the early signs of Throat cancer at home, and its symptoms and risk factors and how to prevent throat cancer and when to consult a doctor!