Cancer of the larynx

Description of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a disease, in which cancer cells grow in the larynx. Гортань – трубчатый орган внутри шеи, which is located between the throat and the windpipe. The main function the larynx is to produce sound for speech.

Cancer occurs, when the cells of the organism (in this case the cells laryngeal) divide without control and order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, when the body does not need new cells, excrescent (weight) of cloth, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not spread to other organs.

Causes of laryngeal cancer

The cause of laryngeal cancer is unknown.

Risk factors for laryngeal cancer

Factors, which increase the risk of cancer of the larynx:

• Smoking (the most common risk factor);
• Excessive alcohol consumption;
• Age: 55 and older;
• Paul: male;
• Exposure to certain air pollutants, such as wood dust, chemical substances, and asbestos;
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – кислота из желудка попадает в пищевод и горло, where it can come in contact with the tissues of the larynx;
• Weakened immune system;
• Laryngeal dysplasia (a precancerous condition).

The symptoms of laryngeal cancer

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough, hoarseness or sore throat;
• Abnormal lump in the throat or neck;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Pain when swallowing;
• Frequent choking while eating;
• Labored breathing;
• Noisy breathing;
• Persistent ear pain or a feeling of stuffiness in the ears;
• Sudden significant weight loss;
• Persistent bad breath.

These symptoms, in addition to laryngeal cancer, They may be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of cancer of the larynx

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:

• Ларингоскопия – горло изучается с помощью тонкой трубки, which is inserted into it through the mouth;
• Биопсия – удаление образца ткани гортани для проверки на наличие раковых клеток;
• Рентген грудной клетки – тест, which uses X-rays, to make pictures of the larynx and nearby organs;
• CT scan (CT) – тип рентгена, which uses computer, to make pictures of the inside of the larynx;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) – тест, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of the inside of the larynx.

Treatment of cancer of the larynx

Following the discovery of cancer of the larynx survey is conducted, allowing to determine the extent and scope of cancer. The treatment method depends on the stage of cancer. At an early stage of cancer of the larynx or used surgery, or radiotherapy. In the later stages of the disease the most common treatments are radiation therapy (together with chemotherapy) or surgery followed by radiation therapy.

Methods of treatment include:

Surgery for cancer of the larynx

The surgery is performed to remove a cancerous tumor, and surrounding tissues, perhaps, neighboring lymph nodes. Options for operations in cancer of the larynx:

• Тотальная ларингэктомия – включает в себя удаление гортани, including vocal chords;
• Частичная ларингэктомия – хирург удаляет раковую ткань, leaving as much of the vocal cords;
• Трахеотомия – чтобы помочь с дыханием, in the neck below the throat opening is performed. It can be a temporary (in the recovery period after surgery) or permanent, in the case of large tumors laryngeal, which is problematic to remove;
• Диссекция шеи – включает в себя удаление лимфатических узлов и части мышц шеи, to determine the extent of cancer spread.

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy)

Лучевая терапия – использование радиационного излучения, allowing to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Может применяться в виде внешней лучевой терапии, when the beam is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body.

Chemotherapy for cancer of the larynx

Химиотерапия – использование лекарственных препаратов для уничтожения раковых клеток. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the size of very large tumors.

Prevention of cancer of the larynx

Since non laryngeal cancer is extremely rare, лучший способ предотвратить этот вид рака – не курить. Other measures, that could reduce the risk of cancer of the larynx:

• Avoid excessive use of alcohol;
• Protect yourself from toxic substances, which can be linked to cancer of the larynx.