Larynx Cancer

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Larynx Cancer

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Larynx Cancer Doctor in Kolkata

Larynx cancer (laryngeal cancer) develops in the larynx, a part of your throat responsible for helping you speak, breathe, and swallow. This area contains your vocal cords. Laryngeal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the larynx begin to grow uncontrollably. As these malignant cells multiply, they can invade nearby tissues and cause harm to your body. For larynx cancer treatment in Kolkata, reach out to the medical oncologist.

Call - +919830474217

Symptoms of Larynx Cancer

The primary symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:

A change in your voice, such as persistent hoarseness
Pain or difficulty when swallowing
A lump or swelling in the neck
A persistent cough
A sore throat or earache that does not go away
Difficulty breathing in advanced cases

Additional symptoms can include bad breath, shortness of breath, a high-pitched sound when breathing, unexplained weight loss, or extreme fatigue.

Contact the larynx oncologist in Kolkata if you happen to experience any of these symptoms.

Causes of Larynx Cancer

Are you wondering what causes larynx cancer? If yes, read on.

Smoking and using other tobacco products

These significantly increase your risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Drinking alcohol

When you drink especially in excess (more than one drink per day), also raises your risk.

The combination of alcohol and tobacco use further amplifies the likelihood of developing this cancer.

Other risk factors for laryngeal cancer include:

Age

The risk is higher in individuals aged 55 and older.

Sex

Men are about five times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer, possibly due to higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption in this group.

History of Head and Neck Cancer

About 25% of individuals who have had head and neck cancer are at risk of recurrence.

Occupational Exposure

Certain jobs that involve exposure to substances such as sulfuric acid mist, wood dust, nickel, asbestos, or mustard gas increase the risk. Those working with machines are also at greater risk for laryngeal cancer.

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Stages of Larynx Cancer

Doctors may use specific terms when discussing the stages of laryngeal cancer:

Stage 0, also called carcinoma in situ, means the cancer is confined to the inner lining of the larynx.
Early-stage laryngeal cancer includes stages 1 and 2.
Locally advanced laryngeal cancer refers to stage 3.
Advanced-stage laryngeal cancer is classified as stage 4.

Staging laryngeal cancer can be complex because it depends on where the cancer originates within the larynx. There are distinct descriptions for stages 1, 2, and 3 based on whether the cancer starts above the vocal cords, within the vocal cords, or below them. However, the stage 4 classification remains the same regardless of the cancer’s starting point.

Diagnosis of Larynx Cancer

Diagnostic tests for laryngeal cancer include:

Imaging scans

CT or MRI scans create detailed images of your body, helping to determine the size and location of the tumour. A chest X-ray can show whether the cancer has spread to your lungs.

Laryngoscopy

A doctor uses a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope to examine the larynx and check for abnormalities.

PET scan

In a PET scan, a small, safe dose of a radioactive substance is injected into your vein. This substance highlights areas where cancer cells are present.

Biopsy

A small sample of abnormal tissue is removed from the larynx for examination under a microscope. A pathologist will check the cells for certain protein markers, which can determine if specific treatments will be effective.

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Treatment of Larynx Cancer

The doctor for larynx cancer treatment in Kolkata offers the following treatments.

Radiation therapy

High-energy radiation beams are precisely directed at the tumour to destroy cancer cells while minimising harm to nearby healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy

Medications are used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Often given intravenously, chemotherapy can cause side effects that a medical oncologist will help manage during treatment.

Immunotherapy

Also known as biologic therapy, this treatment boosts your immune system to help it recognize and fight cancer cells.

Targeted therapy

This treatment specifically targets cancer cells with certain proteins, inhibiting their ability to grow and multiply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is larynx cancer managed?

Management of larynx cancer involves a combination of treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. The treatment plan depends on the stage and location of the cancer.

What is TNM staging for larynx cancer?

The TNM system is used to stage larynx cancer based on the size of the tumor (T), the involvement of lymph nodes (N), and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (M). This helps the doctor determine the best treatment approach.

What is radiology in larynx cancer treatment?

Radiology, including CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans, helps detect the size, location, and spread of the tumour. It also plays a role in planning and guiding radiation therapy to precisely target cancer cells.

What are the risk factors for developing larynx cancer?

Major risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, age (over 55), being male, and exposure to certain chemicals at work (such as asbestos or wood dust).

What are the early symptoms of larynx cancer?

Common symptoms include hoarseness or changes in the voice, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, ear pain, and breathing difficulties, especially in later stages.