What Are the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, is a significant health issue that affects the respiratory tract. The larynx is an organ that plays a crucial role in breathing and sound production. This type of cancer can lead to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells within the larynx, which can spread and result in severe health problems if left untreated.

What is Laryngeal Cancer?

What Are the Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a disease that can prevent the larynx from performing its normal physiological functions, such as respiratory control and sound production. The symptoms of laryngeal cancer may vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the area affected. Particularly in the early stages, it may progress without showing symptoms. The symptoms of laryngeal cancer can be listed as follows:

• Hoarseness: If the cancer affects the vocal cords, it can lead to prolonged hoarseness and changes in the voice. This may be among the most common symptoms.
• Chronic throat pain: In laryngeal cancer, throat pain can be felt in a deep area extending to the back of the pharynx and larynx.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Tumors in the laryngeal area can make the process of eating difficult. Difficulty swallowing may become more pronounced when swallowing solid foods, which can also lead to weight loss.
• Difficulty breathing: The growth and spread of a tumor in the larynx can completely or partially obstruct the airway. As the airway narrows, the patient may experience difficulty breathing.
• Jugular vein distention: Due to the enlargement of cancerous lymph nodes, the veins in the neck area may become engorged and visible.
• Coughing and sputum: In advanced stages of laryngeal cancer, chronic coughing and bloody sputum may occur. This is due to irritation of the airways by the tumor and its spread to blood vessels.
• Bad breath: People with laryngeal cancer may experience bad breath due to necrosis, infection, fluid accumulation, and waste in the throat.
• Ear pain, fatigue, weight loss, and palpable lumps in the neck or throat may also be among the symptoms. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult a specialist, considering the possibility of being affected by a serious illness such as laryngeal cancer.

What Causes Laryngeal Cancer?

Various factors play an important role in the development of laryngeal cancer, which is caused by the abnormal growth of the laryngeal cells. HPV infection, age, gender, dietary habits, environmental factors, genetics, and hormonal factors may all contribute to the development of laryngeal cancer. The causes and risk factors for laryngeal cancer include:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to oral and laryngeal cancers.
• Working in an occupation that involves heavy exposure to various substances, such as asbestos, coal, wood dust, nickel, sulfuric acid fumes, formaldehyde, and isopropyl alcohol, can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.
• Unhealthy dietary habits, including inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, can raise the risk of laryngeal cancer.
• Individuals with chronic reflux disease have a higher risk of developing laryngeal cancer. Stomach acid can damage laryngeal tissue, triggering cancer formation.
• The risk of cancer may increase with age. Men may have a higher risk of laryngeal cancer compared to women.

Stages of Laryngeal Cancer

It is possible to determine how far the cancer has spread through a process called staging. Staging includes stages from zero to five. These stages are determined based on the size of the tumor, the degree of spread, and treatment options. The stages of laryngeal cancer are as follows:

• Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ, in this stage, cancer cells are found on the surface. This is the stage where the cancer can be completely cured.
• Stage 1: The cancer reaches the tissues deep in the larynx but has not spread to neighboring lymph nodes. Symptoms are usually mild at this stage.
• Stage 2: In this stage, the tumor may spread to deeper layers, such as submucosal and cartilage tissues. It is crucial to stop the spread of cancer at this stage.
• Stage 3: Cancer can metastasize to neighboring tissues and lymph nodes. This is the stage where symptoms are more pronounced.
• Stage 4: In this stage, cancer can metastasize to surrounding tissues and organs of the larynx. Symptoms are usually more evident, including hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and coughing up blood.

How is Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosed?

Laryngeal cancer may begin with mild symptoms or may not show any signs in the early stages. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial. The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer involves the following steps:

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is typically made by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an oncologist. The specialist evaluates the patient's symptoms and examines the larynx for abnormalities through a physical examination.

Blood Tests: Various blood tests can be conducted to monitor the progression of the cancer and evaluate the response to treatment.
Imaging Tests: CT or MRI scans may be performed to assess the size and extent of the cancer. A PET scan can help determine whether the cancer has spread to different parts of the body. Each test has its own features and advantages. Specialists may use multiple methods considering the patient's condition, enabling them to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Laryngoscopy: In this method, a thin endoscope is inserted into the larynx through the mouth or nose to visualize it. The specialist can examine the structures within the larynx in detail. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Biopsy: This method involves the removal and examination of suspicious tissues. This process is important for detecting the presence and type of cancer.

How is Laryngeal Cancer Treated?

The treatment plan for laryngeal cancer is determined based on the stage of the disease. Additionally, treatment options may be planned according to the patient's overall health condition. Treatment methods for laryngeal cancer include:

Surgical Intervention: Surgical treatment involves the removal of cancerous tissues. It may be preferred in the early stages of cancer and can be applied in conjunction with other treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy: This is a treatment method where high-energy rays kill cancer cells. Temporary symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Radiotherapy can be used to support surgical treatment or as an alternative to surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be initiated to destroy cancer cells, reduce the size of the tumor, or prevent its spread. This method can also be used to alleviate symptoms in patients with stage 4 cancer. Symptoms such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite may occur.
Medication Treatment: Medication treatment can target various molecular pathways in cancer cells to reduce the side effects of other treatments and prevent the spread of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This treatment method can help strengthen the immune system and enable it to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

The treatment plan may vary for each patient. Regular screenings and examinations are essential to assess progress throughout the treatment process. If you have any symptoms of laryngeal cancer, you should consult a doctor and benefit from early diagnosis and treatment options.