Laryngeal cancer

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Laryngeal cancer
Synonyms	Cancer of the larynx
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hoarseness, cough, difficulty swallowing, ear pain
Complications	Metastasis, airway obstruction
Onset	Most common in people over 55
Duration	Long-term
Types	Glottic, supraglottic, subglottic
Causes	Smoking, alcohol consumption, HPV infection
Risks	Tobacco use, excessive alcohol, GERD, occupational hazards
Diagnosis	Laryngoscopy, biopsy, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, thyroid cancer
Prevention	Smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, HPV vaccination
Treatment	Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies by stage and location
Frequency	177,000 cases globally (2018)
Deaths	94,000 deaths globally (2018)

Image of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the larynx, or voice box. The larynx is a tube-shaped organ in the neck that is important for breathing, talking, and swallowing. It is most commonly caused by smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol.

Causes

The main causes of laryngeal cancer are tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Other risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals and substances, such as asbestos and coal dust, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Some studies have also suggested a link between laryngeal cancer and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms

The symptoms of laryngeal cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, changes in the voice such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a lump in the neck. In some cases, individuals may also experience ear pain and weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of laryngeal cancer typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a biopsy of the larynx. The stage of the cancer is determined based on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatment for laryngeal cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for laryngeal cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.

See also

• Throat cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Oncology

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