Is your voice hoarse? Are you worried about throat cancer? Let's learn about laryngeal cancer.

Sometimes our voice becomes a little hoarse, or feels heavy, right? It's like a common cold and it gets better in two or three days. But has this change in your voice not diminished even after two or three weeks? If you have a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, it's not a good idea to just ignore it. Today we're talking about something that can start with these symptoms and that you should be a little careful about - that is laryngeal cancer, or in medical terms, a condition called Laryngeal Cancer .

Simply put, what is laryngeal cancer?

The larynx is a small but very important organ in our throat. It is located at the front of our neck, above the windpipe. It is the part of the larynx that protects us from swallowing food, speaking, and the windpipe. It also contains the vocal cords that make up our voice.

So what is cancer? It is when cells in our body divide and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. When this happens in the larynx, we call it laryngeal cancer. These malignant cells gradually invade and damage the surrounding healthy tissue.

The larynx is divided into three main parts. Cancer can start in any of these parts:

• Supraglottis: The upper part of the larynx. About 35% of cancers start here.
• Glottis: The middle part. Our vocal cords are here. The majority, about 60%, of cancers start here.
• Subglottis: The lowest part of the larynx. About 5% of cancers start here.

What are the symptoms of laryngeal cancer? Be on the lookout for these!

The early symptoms of this cancer can easily be mistaken for a common throat infection or cold, so it's important to be aware of this.

Let's clearly distinguish these symptoms from the table below.

If you have any of these serious symptoms, see a doctor immediately without delay . If necessary, you can also go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

Why does this cancer develop? Who is at higher risk?

There are two main culprits that contribute to the development of this cancer. They are smoking and excessive alcohol consumption . The risk of someone who does both of these together is much higher than someone who does only one. Therefore, a person who has both of these habits has a very high chance of developing laryngeal cancer.

In addition, there are several other risk factors:

• HPV infection: Some types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted infection, can also cause throat cancer.
• Age: People over the age of 55 are at higher risk.
• Gender: Men are about five times more likely to develop this cancer than women. This may be due to the higher prevalence of smoking and alcohol use among men.
• Previous cancer history: A person who has previously had head or neck cancer has about a 25% risk of developing cancer in this area again.
• Occupation: People who are exposed to substances such as sulfuric acid fumes, wood dust, nickel, and asbestos in the workplace are at increased risk.

How does a doctor accurately diagnose cancer?

When you see a doctor with the symptoms you mentioned above, he or she will first ask you a detailed question about your symptoms and examine your throat and neck. Then, they may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Imaging Scans: Like taking a clear picture of the inside of our bodies, a CT scan or MRI scan can show the exact size and location of the cancer. A chest X-ray can also be done to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
• Laryngoscopy: In this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera attached through your nose or mouth and carefully examines your larynx and the surrounding area.
• PET Scan: This is a special type of scan. This scan is done by injecting a safe radioactive substance into a vein that makes areas of the body with cancer cells 'light up'.
• Biopsy: This is the most crucial and definitive test for diagnosis. During laryngoscopy, a very small piece of tissue is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope. This can tell you with 100% accuracy whether or not it is cancerous, and if so, what type of cancer it is.

What are the treatments?

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you based on the stage, size, spread of the cancer, and your overall health. This may involve one or a combination of treatments.

Can I talk after surgery?

This is a problem that many people have. It depends on the type of surgery.

• For early-stage cancer: After surgery to remove only the tumor or a small part of the larynx (e.g., cordectomy, partial laryngectomy), you may be able to speak. Your voice may be slightly altered, but this can be restored with the help of a speech therapist.
• For severe cancer: In some cases, the entire larynx may need to be removed (Total Laryngectomy). This will make it impossible to speak as before. But don't worry. There are now new ways to learn to speak (e.g. special valves, electronic devices).

How is life after treatment?

After the treatment is successfully completed, your doctor will continue to check on you (follow-up) to make sure you are recovering well. During this time,

• Giving medication to control pain.
• Providing solutions to swallowing difficulties.
• Providing advice on a nutritious diet that suits you.
• Referrals will be made to Speech Therapy or Physiotherapy if necessary.

Is there a way to survive this cancer?

Although not all cancers can be prevented, we can control the main risk factors for laryngeal cancer.

• Quit smoking and tobacco products completely. This is the best and most important step you can take.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. If possible, stop completely.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Laryngeal Cancer, Throat Cancer, Voice Change, Hoarseness, Smoking, Alcohol, Cancer Symptoms, Difficulty Swallowing