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" What is\u00A0laryngeal cancer? Cancer of the larynx is a malignant change in the lining of the larynx, usually due to exposure to carcinogens. It is usually caused by cigarette smoke.  Who does\u00A0laryngeal cancer affect? Men are much more commonly affected. (80%) It is commoner over the age of 60 and in smokers or ex-smokers. High alcohol consumption is also a risk factor. Longstanding acid reflux is also a possible risk factor.  How common is\u00A0laryngeal cancer?  Cancer of the Larynx is an uncommon cancer. There are approximately 2400 cases in the UK per year.  What are the symptoms of \u00A0laryngeal cancer?  The cardinal symptom of cancer of the larynx is a change in voice or hoarseness. If you have been hoarse for more than four weeks, and particularly if you smoke or have smoked, it is important to consult your doctor. Other symptoms will include difficulty swallowing food or drinks, ear pain or throat pain, or a lump in the neck. How is\u00A0laryngeal cancer diagnosed?  At the clinic, the specialist will look at the vocal cords with a telescope (endoscope), either directly through the mouth, or going via the nose. This is a straightforward investigation that is done in the outpatient setting. This usually gives a good view of the vocal cords which allows the specialist to ascertain if there is anything worrying. If there is any doubt, then the specialist will recommend an examination under anaesthetic. This allows a very careful examination with the microscope and any suspicious areas are biopsied and sent for examination by a pathologist. How is\u00A0laryngeal cancer treated?  After a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is made, the case will be discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting, where both surgeons and radiotherapy doctors, as well as other team members will consider all the factors of an individual case. The options of treatment include surgery, radiotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy.   Small or early laryngeal cancers may be suitable for specialized microscopic surgical techniques that have a high chance of cure whilst retaining the function of the voicebox (speech and swallowing.)  Radiotherapy has a role in a number of cases. This is usually given over a period of weeks to treat the cancer.  Sometimes radiotherapy may not work or the tumour may be too large and then surgery is recommended to remove the voicebox and any lymph nodes in the neck that may be affected. This operation (laryngectomy) is a major operation and the patient will then breathe directly through the front of the neck where the trachea, (the main breathing pipe to the lungs) is brought directly out on to the skin of the neck. Chemotherapy may have a role with certain types of laryngeal cancer. Prognosis of\u00A0laryngeal cancer  Early laryngeal cancer is a highly treatable disease with cure rates in excess of 90%. This is why early diagnosis is so important. With more advanced laryngeal cancer the cure rates drop. There is also increased morbidity (side effects) from the treatment. Special Considerations after Laryngectomy There are a number of different techniques that are available to allow someone without a voice to speak again. The commonest involves placing a one-way valve (Blom-Singer or Provox) through the back of the opening of the trachea into the oesophagus (swallowing tube). This diverts air up into the mouth where it is used to speak. Other options include an electric larynx- whereby a small device creates a sound which is then held up against the throat and used to talk. Last updated 15-02-2016. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/cancer/a10308/laryngeal-cancer-voicebox/>