20 Nov 2009 03:00 AM
What Is Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer Of The Larynx)? What Causes Laryngeal Cancer?
Laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx) is a rare type of cancer. It can cause hoarseness of the voice and swelling of the throat.
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a tube-like structure found at the entrance of the trachea (windpipe). The lump at the front of the throat, commonly known as the Adam's apple, is the larynx.
The larynx has three main functions: Helping to channel oxygen into the trachea when breathing
Acting like a valve, closing off the trachea when swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airways
It has two membranes (the vocal cords) which vibrate as air passes through them, producing the sound of the voice Laryngeal cancer is rare and approximately four out of five cases are in men. The condition mostly affects older people. The average age for the onset of symptoms is 60.
The two biggest contributing factors to getting laryngeal cancer are alcohol and tobacco use. It is estimated that 75 percent of all cases are caused by alcohol or tobacco use.
Recent evidence indicates that the human papilloma virus (HPV) may also be responsible for some cases of laryngeal cancer, particularly in younger people.
As with most cancers, the outlook for laryngeal cancer is mainly determined by what stage the cancer has reached when it is diagnosed.
If the cancer is in its early stages and has not spread outside the larynx, the chance of being completely cured is relatively high. Laryngeal cancer can be treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a medicine called cetuximab.
Different types of laryngeal cancer: Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx which is the part of the throat just behind the nose.
Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx which is the part of the throat that is right behind the mouth.
Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) which is the lower part of the throat, just above the esophagus and windpipe.
Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.
Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper portion of the larynx and includes cancer that affects the epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that blocks food from going into the windpipe.
Subglottic cancer begins in the lower portion of the voice box, below the vocal cords. What are the signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer? A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.
Most cases of laryngeal cancer develop near the vocal cords; therefore the initial symptom is often a noticeable change in the sound of the voice. In many cases, the voice may be unusually hoarse or husky.
Other symptoms include: a lump in the neck difficulty breathing ear pain pain when swallowing difficulty swallowing persistent coughing sore throat unexplained weight loss If any of those symptoms last for more than three weeks, it is recommended to seek medical advice. These symptoms are similar to those for many other conditions. It is unlikely that they are caused by cancer. It is a good idea to rule out more serious causes of the symptoms. What causes laryngeal cancer? Cancer begins with a change in the structure of DNA which provides cells with a basic set of instructions (such as when to grow and reproduce). A change in its structure is called a genetic mutation. It can alter these instructions and cause the cells to reproduce uncontrollably. As a result, this produces a lump of tissue known as a tumor.
If left untreated, cancer can quickly grow and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer usually spreads through the lymphatic system (a series of glands or nodes located throughout the body). Once the cancer reaches the lymphatic system, it can spread to any other part of the body.
Alcohol and tobacco
Evidence shows that alcohol and tobacco are the two biggest risk factors for laryngeal cancer.
There is indication that alcohol and tobacco contain chemicals which affect the normal functioning of the cells of the larynx. This triggers mutations which can lead to cancer. Drinking alcohol and smoking carry individual risks. However, the association of both greatly increases the risks.
Research has shown that smoking 40 cigarettes a day without drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer by five times. In addition, drinking the equivalent of 30 pints of beer a week without smoking also increases the risk of getting laryngeal cancer by five times. However, smoking more than 40 cigarettes a day and drinking an average of 30 pints a week, increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer by 38 times.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a family of viruses which affect the skin and moist membranes that line the body (cervix, anus, mouth and throat).
Research has revealed that HPV may increase the risk of getting laryngeal cancer. HPV is known to cause changes in the cells of the cervix, leading to cervical cancer. It is thought that it may have a similar effect on the cells of the larynx. HPV is spread during sexual intercourse (including anal and oral sex).
Diet
Evidence suggests that a diet high in red meat, processed food and fried food can increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
Occupational exposure
Exposure to high levels of certain substances may increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer. These substances include: coal dust diesel fumes formaldehyde (a chemical used in a wide range of industrial processes, such as paint manufacturing and cosmetics) isopropyl alcohol (often used as a cleaning solvent) nickel paint fumes wood dust How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed? During medical evaluation the inside and outside of the throat are checked for any abnormalities, such as lumps and swellings, as well as a review of symptoms and recent medical history…
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a tube-like structure found at the entrance of the trachea (windpipe). The lump at the front of the throat, commonly known as the Adam's apple, is the larynx.
The larynx has three main functions: Helping to channel oxygen into the trachea when breathing
Acting like a valve, closing off the trachea when swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airways
It has two membranes (the vocal cords) which vibrate as air passes through them, producing the sound of the voice Laryngeal cancer is rare and approximately four out of five cases are in men. The condition mostly affects older people. The average age for the onset of symptoms is 60.
The two biggest contributing factors to getting laryngeal cancer are alcohol and tobacco use. It is estimated that 75 percent of all cases are caused by alcohol or tobacco use.
Recent evidence indicates that the human papilloma virus (HPV) may also be responsible for some cases of laryngeal cancer, particularly in younger people.
As with most cancers, the outlook for laryngeal cancer is mainly determined by what stage the cancer has reached when it is diagnosed.
If the cancer is in its early stages and has not spread outside the larynx, the chance of being completely cured is relatively high. Laryngeal cancer can be treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a medicine called cetuximab.
Different types of laryngeal cancer: Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx which is the part of the throat just behind the nose.
Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx which is the part of the throat that is right behind the mouth.
Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) which is the lower part of the throat, just above the esophagus and windpipe.
Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.
Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper portion of the larynx and includes cancer that affects the epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that blocks food from going into the windpipe.
Subglottic cancer begins in the lower portion of the voice box, below the vocal cords. What are the signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer? A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.
Most cases of laryngeal cancer develop near the vocal cords; therefore the initial symptom is often a noticeable change in the sound of the voice. In many cases, the voice may be unusually hoarse or husky.
Other symptoms include: a lump in the neck difficulty breathing ear pain pain when swallowing difficulty swallowing persistent coughing sore throat unexplained weight loss If any of those symptoms last for more than three weeks, it is recommended to seek medical advice. These symptoms are similar to those for many other conditions. It is unlikely that they are caused by cancer. It is a good idea to rule out more serious causes of the symptoms. What causes laryngeal cancer? Cancer begins with a change in the structure of DNA which provides cells with a basic set of instructions (such as when to grow and reproduce). A change in its structure is called a genetic mutation. It can alter these instructions and cause the cells to reproduce uncontrollably. As a result, this produces a lump of tissue known as a tumor.
If left untreated, cancer can quickly grow and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer usually spreads through the lymphatic system (a series of glands or nodes located throughout the body). Once the cancer reaches the lymphatic system, it can spread to any other part of the body.
Alcohol and tobacco
Evidence shows that alcohol and tobacco are the two biggest risk factors for laryngeal cancer.
There is indication that alcohol and tobacco contain chemicals which affect the normal functioning of the cells of the larynx. This triggers mutations which can lead to cancer. Drinking alcohol and smoking carry individual risks. However, the association of both greatly increases the risks.
Research has shown that smoking 40 cigarettes a day without drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer by five times. In addition, drinking the equivalent of 30 pints of beer a week without smoking also increases the risk of getting laryngeal cancer by five times. However, smoking more than 40 cigarettes a day and drinking an average of 30 pints a week, increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer by 38 times.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a family of viruses which affect the skin and moist membranes that line the body (cervix, anus, mouth and throat).
Research has revealed that HPV may increase the risk of getting laryngeal cancer. HPV is known to cause changes in the cells of the cervix, leading to cervical cancer. It is thought that it may have a similar effect on the cells of the larynx. HPV is spread during sexual intercourse (including anal and oral sex).
Diet
Evidence suggests that a diet high in red meat, processed food and fried food can increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
Occupational exposure
Exposure to high levels of certain substances may increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer. These substances include: coal dust diesel fumes formaldehyde (a chemical used in a wide range of industrial processes, such as paint manufacturing and cosmetics) isopropyl alcohol (often used as a cleaning solvent) nickel paint fumes wood dust How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed? During medical evaluation the inside and outside of the throat are checked for any abnormalities, such as lumps and swellings, as well as a review of symptoms and recent medical history…
