A cancer where the malignant cancer cells form anywhere in the tissues of the voice box or larynx containing the vocal cords is called laryngeal cancer. It is also known by the name of laryngeal carcinoma. The location and size of the tumour is important in treating laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancers usually develop in the squamous cells inside the voice box (larynx). Squamous cells make the epithelial lining of the voice box.
1. I have been suspected of laryngeal cancer and have been prescribed diagnostic tests for it. What symptoms should I be expecting in the days to come besides the persistent cough and the lump in my neck?
The symptoms can be varied for each individual and also depends upon the location, size of the tumour, the duration for which it has been there undetected and the stage of the cancer. However, some known symptoms are:
• Weight loss
• Bad breath
• Ear ache
• Trouble swallowing
• Hoarseness of voice
• Stridor
• Sore throat
2. What could be the possible causes if I am diagnosed with laryngeal cancer?
Though the exact causes resulting in cell mutation have not been identified yet, there are some things that increase the chances of one getting cancer, such as:
• Prolonged use of alcohol
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Prolonged and/or excessive of tobacco
• A heavily meat-based diet – devoid of greens
• Chronic goiter
• Exposure to asbestos or silica powder
• Prolonged exposure to certain other air pollutants and chemicals
• Infected with the human papillomavirus
• Poor dental/oral hygiene
• Exposure to radiation
• Heredity
• Prior case of head or neck cancer
3. What diagnostic tests will I be expected to run to confirm or negate my having laryngeal cancer?
Because the diagnostic tests for throat cancers require expertise, your general physician (GP) will in all probability recommend you to a specialist for the tests. However, the GP will run a physical examination, run through your medical records and order you to go for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging tests.
All in all, your tests could include any or a combination of any of the tests depending upon the conclusion reached by your physician and/or specialist:
• Physical examination of the swollen lymph nodes of the neck and a look down the throat with special mirrors, a look at the oral cavity
• Indirect laryngoscopy
• Nasal endoscopy using fibre-optic endoscope under the influence of local anaesthesia to take a look and take samples of abnormal masses in the throat passage
• A biopsy under general anaesthesia will be ordered if only cancer is suspected on the place where cells of the suspected area are removed to be viewed under the microscope for confirmation or negation.
• Barium test where the patient swallows barium and images are taken of the person’s digestive tract starting from the mouth to asses function
4. What does "staging" mean?
Staging is important for doctors to be able to select a treatment option for you. It simply means, finding out which stage your cancer is at. Stage 1 indicates a small tumour restricted to 1 small or non-crucial part of the larynx. Stage 4 would mean an advanced cancer.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com