Cancer of the Throat and Larynx

Alternate Names : Laryngeal Cancer

What are the treatments for the disease?

Surgery to remove the tumor and tissue around it is the primary treatment. If it is suspected that lymph nodes are involved, then nearby lymph nodes in the neck will be removed. Radiation therapy may be applied to the area of surgery later to improve the likelihood that all of the cancer has been destroyed. Sometimes a very small tumor is found on the vocal cords. At that stage it has not spread. In this rare instance, surgery may be avoided by directing radiation at the tumor. Treatment for this type of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is directed at improving quality of life. It is not curable in the advanced stages. Chemotherapy may be given to reduce the size of the tumors. Radiation may be given to areas of local pain.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Extensive surgery on the throat will have long-term consequences. If the larynx has to be removed, the person will be unable to talk and will have a tracheostomy, or permanent breathing tube in the neck. A special device can be placed that will aid speech, but it will not be normal speech. Surgery on the neck will also change the contour of the neck. Reconstruction at the time of surgery may improve this.

The effects of radiation are temporary and resolve after treatment. The more troublesome side effects include dry mouth, sores developing in the mouth and throat, and fatigue.

Sometimes chemotherapy is given during radiation to make the radiation work better. In this case, the effects of the radiation may be stronger. When given to control advanced disease, the medications are chosen to improve quality of life. Most side effects such as nausea can be easily managed.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

After treatment of early stage disease, the person will need to be followed closely. It is possible new cancers may form or that the previously treated cancer can recur. In advanced stage disease, the person will be followed to determine response. The disease is likely to progress over time.

How is the disease monitored?

The affected area will need to be observed at intervals for signs of recurrence. CT scans and other specialized x-rays will be performed if a person develops a symptom indicating the cancer has come back or spread to another site in the body. The need for close monitoring will continue throughout the person's lifetime, even for those with small cancers.