|
�Diseases, Conditions and Injuries
Laryngeal Cancerby Rick Alan Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention | Organizations En Espa�ol (Spanish Version) DefinitionLaryngeal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the larynx. The larynx is a tube-shaped organ inside the neck that lies between the throat and the windpipe. Its main function is to produce sound for speaking. Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case laryngeal cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
CausesThe cause of laryngeal cancer is unknown. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. A person experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include: Laryngoscopy � a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the larynx Biopsy � removal of a sample of laryngeal tissue to test for cancer cells Chest X-ray � a test that uses radiation to take a picture of the larynx and nearby structures CT Scan � a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the larynx MRI Scan � a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the larynx TreatmentOnce laryngeal cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. For early stage laryngeal cancer, either surgery or radiation alone is the most common and appropriate therapies offered. For more advanced disease, either radiation (with chemotherapy) or surgery followed by radiation is the most common treatments given. Treatment includes: Surgery � surgical removal of a cancerous tumor and nearby tissues, and possibly nearby lymph nodes. Surgeries for laryngeal cancer include: Total Laryngectomy � removal of the larynx, including the vocal cords. Partial Laryngectomy � removal of cancerous tissue while leaving as much of the vocal cords as possible. Tracheotomy � making a hole in the neck below the larynx to help breathing. This may be temporarily necessary after surgery, or permanently placed in the case of laryngeal tumors that are too large to be removed. Radiation Therapy (or Radiotherapy) � the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be: External Radiation Therapy � radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body Chemotherapy - the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. PreventionSince laryngeal cancer is extremely rare in non-smokers, the best way to prevent this type of cancer is by not smoking. Other measures you can take to reduce your risk of laryngeal cancer include:
RESOURCES:American Cancer Society CancerCare National Cancer Institute SOURCES:American Cancer Society The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Simon and Schuster;2000. National Cancer Institute
Triage Reviewed by EBSCO Medical Review Board in September 2005 |
|
