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Laryngeal Cancer

Numerous studies have suggested an increased risk of hyperopharynx/larynx cancer among those who have been exposed to high levels of inorganic acid mists, as well as to smoke from tobacco and heavy drinking. (IARC 2004)

All of these cancers are related to work and are most commonly seen in men. They are also more common in smokers than non-smokers.

Risk Factors

Larynx cancers and hypopharynx (the lower part of the throat at the back of the mouth) are typically caused by smoking cigarettes or drinking excessively. These cancers also are more prevalent in males than females. The most common kind of cancer that affects the larynx is called squamous. The tumors start in the glottis - the part of the throat that makes the sound you make when you speak. The next most popular kinds of cancers that affect the larynx are Adenocarcinomas. These cancers are found in different areas and are less frequent than squamous types.

Several case-control studies have shown an increased risk of laryngeal cancer in those who have had exposure to asbestos at work. These studies have not been able to establish an exact dose-response relationship.

Other factors at work that have been linked with an increased risk of developing larynx cancer and nasopharynx are exposure to wood dust, metal dust and formaldehyde and occupational respiratory infections. People with a history of throat and head cancer, particularly of the oropharynx (the back of the mouth) and larynx (the front of the throat), and pharynx are at greater risk.

In one study, excess cancers were found to be concentrated in workers working in coal mining, the production of metal products and administration and sanitary services. This was in contrast to other studies that did not reveal any significant rise in larynx cancer or nasopharynx in association with asbestos.

Symptoms

The majority of laryngeal cancers are cell carcinomas that originate from the thin flat cells (squamous) that line the airway's upper part. These cancers are most commonly found in the glottic area of the larynx, but they can also develop in the supraglottic and canadian national Railway black lung disease subglottic regions. The symptoms of laryngeal cancer differ based on the area of the tumor. They may not be apparent until the cancer is more advanced.

The most commonly reported sign of laryngeal cancer is hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks. The majority of patients who have cancer of the larynx or glottic region have this symptom early, but those with cancers of the supraglottic or subglottic areas may not show symptoms until much later.

Many CN canadian national railway colon cancer canadian national railway lung cancer canadian national railway myelodysplastic syndrome black lung disease (visit the following page) workers, including pipefitters and machinists, have been exposed to high levels of ETS during their job. It has been proven that this increases the risk of developing laryngeal and lung cancer, as well as other disorders and diseases such as leukemia and mesothelioma.

The diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma is usually determined on the basis of medical history as well as physical examination, laryngoscopy and biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor some patients might require CT or MRI with or without contrast, chest xrays or PET scans of the neck and chest.

Diagnosis

Laryngeal cancer is diagnosed with either the use of a biopsy or imaging tests. Doctors also utilize these tests to determine whether cancer has spread to the larynx or other parts of the body. This process is called staging.

There are three primary treatment options available to patients suffering from laryngeal cancer such as surgery, radiation therapy, and therapies using medication like chemotherapy. These treatments can be administered in combination or as a single treatment. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells or stop them from growing. It is available in pill form or as an injection. It is also possible to give it before or during surgery or radiation therapy to increase the effectiveness. It is also administered to stop cancer from recurring (recurring) after surgery.

If the cancer has spread to the neck, doctors may have to remove a small portion or the entire neck (neck dissection). This can be accomplished with robots that are guided by robotics or by opening up the neck via an operation. Patients should discuss this procedure with their doctor because the removal of the neck could cause stiffness or changes in voice.

Making sure you attend periodic appointments is essential because it aids doctors determine whether the treatment is working and if cancer has returned (recurred). Regular visits to the doctor will help detect any new cancers earlier, which means they are easier and less painful to treat.

Treatment

Squamous cell tumors which comprise the majority of laryngeal cancers originate in the thin cells that cover the larynx. These cancers can develop slowly or rapidly. They may also grow to other parts of the body. The type of treatment one receives is contingent on the size and location of the tumor as well as whether or not it has spread.

The team will check the neck and throat to determine if there are symptoms of cancer. This could be a lump, or a persistent sore throat. They'll also inquire about the patient's history of health and lifestyle, including whether they've smoked or consumed alcohol.

X-rays, ultrasounds and other imaging tests can help doctors determine the size and shape of the tumor. They can also perform a procedure called a laryngoscopy to examine the voice box and throat using a tube-like instrument that has lenses and a lamp. The health care team can also look at the neck for swollen lymph nodes.

Larynx cancers or hypopharynx could be removed surgically. This can cause people to alter the way they talk, eat and breathe. Rehabilitation and support services are available to help individuals to cope with these changes. People who have had larynx cancer or hypopharynx also are at risk of having other health issues, such as nerve damage, dry mouth, numbness of the neck and throat, and decreased thyroid function after the complete laryngectomy (removing the entire larynx). Treatments with fluoride and regular dental care are recommended to avoid tooth decay.