Cancer of the throat or larynx

Alternative names:

laryngeal cancer; throat cancer; vocal cord cancer

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at destruction of the cancer and prevention of spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Radiation of the tumor is successful in most cases.

Surgical removal of the tumor, including all or part of the vocal cords (laryngectomy) may be necessary in some cases.
If a laryngectomy is required, a surgical prosthesis (artificial vocal cords) may be implanted, voice aids may be used, or speech therapy may be recommended to teach alternative methods of speaking.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Throat cancers may be cured if detected early. They may spread to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body if not treated early.

Complications:

• airway obstruction
• loss of voice and speaking ability
• disfigurement of the neck or face
• spread of the cancer to other body areas (metastasis)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate cancer of the throat, especially hoarseness with no obvious cause that lasts longer than 1 week.