What symptoms of cancer larynx?

The laryngeal cancer often begins on the vocal cords. Thus the first major sign that accompanies such Cancer is the "dysphonia. This term refers to a hoarse voice, a kind of hoarseness escalating, which persists over time and resistant to standard treatment used to soften the throat.

Any person whose voice is hoarse for more than two weeks should consult their doctor.

The laryngeal cancer may also affect the surrounding structures of vocal cords. In such cases, other symptoms including:

- Pain and an earache (ear pain)

- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)

- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).

- In case of metastases, a mass in the neck may be palpable (cervical ganglia).

We note that one should not expect to suffer from these symptoms. Only a hoarseness that persists should alert and motivate a quick consultation.

 

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer

The diagnosis laryngeal cancer based on endoscopy, to view the type of lesions and their precise location. This exam will be at the same time a biopsy confirming the presence of cancerous cells.

Other additional tests may be required to assess the extension of Cancer (depths of lesions, presence of metastases) and for surgical treatment.
 

The cancer treatments larynx

Surgery is the management classic, with laryngectomy, in other words, a removal of the larynx, partial if possible, if not total. Treatment is often mutilated, with undesirable effects: disturbance of swallowing and phonation requiring rehabilitation.

At the beginning stage, surgery is often supplemented by radiotherapy, it can also target metastases in the lymph.

When vocal cords are affected, it can sometimes focus the radiation to surgery, which helps maintain a relatively normal voice.

In tumors detected very early, laser microsurgery is successful, no maiming.

Ultimately, treatment depends primarily on the tumor stage and location.


 

Can we prevent cancer of the larynx or vocal cords?

There are three preventive measures:

- Do not smoke.

- Do not drink alcohol.

- Check quickly in case of hoarseness for more than 2 weeks.