Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Cancer cells typically appear in the tissue of the larynx.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 35% of tumors develop in the upper part of the larynx, above the vocal cords, including the epiglottis. 60% develop in the middle part of the larynx, containing the vocal cords, also known as vocal cord cancer. Only about 5% of cancers are located in the subglottic region, the lowest part of the larynx.
Sometimes laryngeal cancer overlaps with other areas, making it difficult to pinpoint its location. The tumor can metastasize to other organs such as the thyroid gland, esophagus, lymph nodes in the neck, and other parts of the body.
People infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and exposed to chemicals are at high risk of laryngeal cancer. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disease include smoking (including exposure to secondhand smoke) and regular alcohol consumption. This risk is many times higher if one smokes and drinks alcohol, and may also develop other types of head and neck cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, men are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal or laryngeal cancer 4-5 times more often than women. Those 65 years and older, obese or overweight, and those with gastroesophageal reflux disease are at risk. Other factors include frequent exposure to materials such as wood dust, paint fumes, and certain chemicals used in the construction, textile, metalworking, and oil and gas industries.
Several genetic syndromes, including Fanconi anemia and congenital keratinization disorders, also increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. Fanconi anemia is a genetic disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. It is a very serious condition, causing lifelong complications such as anemia, birth defects, and cancer. Congenital keratinization disorders also increase the risk of cancer in people with bone marrow failure.
Persistent hoarseness is the most common symptom of laryngeal cancer. Anyone experiencing hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should see a doctor and get screened for laryngeal cancer. This cancer often presents with symptoms such as persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, a lump in the neck, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.
People with laryngeal cancer often experience sore throat and hoarseness. (Image: Freepik)
Depending on the tumor stage, treatment for laryngeal cancer typically includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment depends on many factors such as cancer stage, smoking habits, response to treatment, and overall health. Early-stage laryngeal cancer treated with radiation therapy or surgery has a high cure rate.
On average, the five-year relative survival rate for laryngeal cancer is 80%. This rate is based on individuals diagnosed between 2012 and 2018. Advanced treatments and new medications can now further improve patient survival times.
Mai Cat (According to Very Well Health )
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