1. What are the treatment options for my laryngeal cancer?
The treatment route recommended by your specialist for laryngeal cancer will depend upon the size, location, grade, extent or stage of the tumour. It will also depend upon your general health condition and your medical history. In general, the following options are exercised by the doctor’s under these circumstances:
• Chemotherapy: This procedure is common in cases where metastasis (spread) has occurred. It uses chemicals (antineoplastic drugs) to destroy the rapidly dividing cells.
• Radiation: Radiation (X-rays, Gamma rays or charged particles) is given on exact spots where the cancer tumour is located to destroy the tumour. It may also be given internally via an injection or by fitting a radioactive pellet at the site.
• Surgery: In surgery, the tumour is physically and surgically removed in an operation under general anaesthesia. This may require the partial or total removal of the organ on which the tumour is located. Nearby lymph glands may also need to be taken out if the cancer has spread to these.
• Adjuvant treatment: Adjuvant or additional therapies call for radiotherapy after surgery or chemotherapy after surgery for larger or newly growing or fast-dividing tumours.
• Screening: Regular and long-term monitoring through imaging techniques may be done to check for tumour recurrence.
• Rehabilitation therapy: Rehabilitation is almost always required after surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Help is required from a psychologist, physiotherapist, dietician, speech therapist etc due to the side-effects that often follow treatment.
2. I have heard that treatment for any cancer entails experiencing very harsh side effects. What am I looking at?
Yes, it is possible that you may experience one or more side-effects while being treated and after you are cancer free. This depends upon the size, type and location of your tumour. However, the side-effects last a few months before they disappear. I have listed below some of the commonly-reported side-effects of laryngeal cancer treatment:
• Sore throat
• Mucous build-up in the throat
• Nausea after chemotherapy
• No sensation of taste
• Dry mouth
• Problems swallowing which can be overcome by using a naso-gastric tube for feeding in the first month post treatment.
• Lack of energy
• Feeling of something being in the throat after the treatment is over
• Difficulty speaking due to the affected vocal cords. This may require speech aids to overcome the condition.
• Change in voice
• Hormone imbalance requiring a hormone therapy
3. Are there any prevention tips for laryngeal cancer?
Though there are no proven prevention tips, yet the following steps go a long way in preventing relapses or second tumours from reappearing:
• Complete cessation of smoking and avoidance of second hand smoke
• Stopping the usage of tobacco
• Limiting use of alcohol and other spirits to a minimum
• Include greens (fruits and vegetables) liberally in your diet
• Increase the intake of Vitamin A as per your doctor’s recommendation
• Avoid exposure to silica powder or asbestos dust and similar other chemicals that are carcinogens
• Go for routine cancer screening
• Follow your doctor’s advice
4. What is the prognosis for laryngeal cancer?
There is no standard word of prognosis for laryngeal cancer. As with cancers of the other organs, chance of recovery is dependent upon the location of the tumour, its size, the grade and extent of coverage (spread), the stage of cancer and of course, the person’s overall medical condition, race, age, habits and gender.
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