ask: vocal cord dysplasia

MKline - Thanks for your question, and welcome to EmpowHER. Dysplasia is a general term for the abnormal growth or development of cells or organs. This means that abnormal cells have been identified that could become cancer cells.

Since the vocal cords are part of the larynx, information about this condition and its treatment will be found under larnyngeal cancer. The larynx is located where the throat divides into the esophagus and the trachea, an area sometimes called the Adam's apple. The larynx contains the vocal cords, cartilage, and small muscles that make up the voice box.

Without knowing the particulars of your situation, it's difficult to say which treatment options should be considered. One key thing to be aware of though is that are are protocols from the American Society of Clinical Oncology for preservation of the larynx should cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation be needed. You can find more information on this, and additional help such as a list of questions to ask your doctor, at the following link: http://www.cancer.net/patient/Publications+and+Resources/What+to+Know%3A...

Another good source for information is the Oral Cancer Foundation at
http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

Please let us know if you have additional questions, and I hope you're able to get more information from your healthcare team soon.

Take care,
Pat