LARYNGEAL CANCER: WHAT IF IT WAS CANCER OF THE VOCAL CORDS?

Cancer of the upper airway tract voice more specifically, it relates more particularly men older than 50 years. Like all cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, the larynx is stimulated by smoking and alcohol consumption.However, with the increase in smoking among women, more and more women are concerned ... What are the symptoms that may indicate a cancer of the larynx ?

What are the symptoms of cancer of the larynx?

The laryngeal cancer often begins on the vocal cords . Thus the first major sign that accompanies this type of cancer is "dysphonia. This term refers to a hoarse voice, a kind of hoarseness that intensifies that persists over time and resistant to conventional therapies used to soothe the throat.
Any person whose voice is hoarse for more than two weeks should consult their doctor. 

The laryngeal cancer may also affect the surrounding structures of the vocal cords . In such cases, other symptoms including:
- Pain and an earache (ear pain) 
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) 
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea). 
- In case of metastases, a mass in the neck may be palpable (cervical ganglia). 

We note that one should not expect to suffer from these symptoms. Only a hoarse voice that continues to alert and motivate prompt consultation.

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer based on endoscopic examination, to see the type of lesions and their precise location. This exam will be at the same time a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of cancer cells.
Other additional tests may be required to assess the extension of cancer (depth of lesions, presence of metastases) and for surgical treatment.

The treatment of laryngeal cancer

Surgery is the standard treatment, with a laryngectomy, which is to say, a removal of the larynx, partial if possible, if not total. The treatment is often mutilated, with undesirable effects: disturbance of swallowing and phonation requiring rehabilitation.
At the beginning stage, surgery is often supplemented by radiotherapy, it can also target metastases in the lymph. 
When vocal cords are affected, it can sometimes focus the radiotherapy to surgery, thereby preserving a relatively normal voice.
If the tumor detected very early, laser microsurgery is successful, mutilating little. 
Ultimately, treatment depends mainly on tumor stage and location. 

Can we prevent cancer of the larynx or vocal cords?

There are three preventive measures: 
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink alcohol.

- Check quickly if hoarse voice for more than 2 weeks.