Overview of Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx.

The larynx is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them. The sound echoes through the pharynx, mouth, and nose to make a person's voice.

Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells are the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the oropharynx.

There are three main parts of the larynx:

• Supraglottis: The upper part of the larynx above the vocal cords, including the epiglottis.
• Glottis: The middle part where the vocal cords are located.
• Subglottis: The lower part of the larynx between the vocal cords and the trachea (windpipe).

Common risk factors for developing laryngeal cancer:

• History of smoking cigarettes and other tobacco use.
• Heavy alcohol use.
• Previous history of head and neck cancer.

Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer

• A sore throat that does not go away.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Ear pain.
• A change or hoarseness in the voice.
• A lump in the throat or neck.

Diagnosis of laryngeal Cancer

Physical exam and health history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or anything else that seems unusual. Includes a complete exam of the mouth and neck and looks under the tongue and down the throat with a small, long-handled mirror to check for abnormal areas.

CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, such as the head, neck, chest, and lymph nodes, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.

PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body after injecting asmall amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) into a vein. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A fine-needle biopsy is usually done to remove a sample of tissue using a thin needle.

Laryngoscopy: A procedure in which the doctor checks the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or a laryngoscope to check for abnormal areas. A laryngoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing the inside of the throat and voice box.

Stage of Laryngeal Cancer

The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the oropharynx or to other parts of the body is called staging.

Cancer can spread to nearby tissue, through the lymph system, and through blood.

The following stages are used for HPV-negative laryngeal cancer:

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
• Stage I
• Stage II
• Stage III
• Stage IV

In stage 0, abnormal cells are found in the lining of the larynx (voice box). These abnormal cells may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.