Learn About Laryngeal Cancer

What is the definition of Laryngeal Cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the larynx. The larynx is an organ located in the throat and contains the vocal cords. Laryngeal cancer forms in the tissues of the larynx, most commonly in squamous cells, and may spread to the thyroid, trachea (windpipe), esophagus or lymph nodes. Laryngeal cancer is more common men than in women and most often diagnosed in people over 60 years of age.
What are the alternative names for Laryngeal Cancer?
Lymphoepithelioma
What are the causes of Laryngeal Cancer?
There are several high risk factors that increase the chances of developing laryngeal cancer. Excessive smoking and heavy alcohol use are believed to be the leading causes of laryngeal cancer. Unhealthy diets that include excessive amounts of red meat, processed or fried foods are believed to be risk factors. Exposure to toxic chemicals or substances such as asbestos, coal or wood dust, paint fumes, diesel fumes, sulphuric acid, isopropyl alcohol or formaldehyde are known risk factors. Family history of head and neck cancers can increase the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer. Additionally, exposure to the Human Papilloma Virus can lead to cancers of the throat.
What are the symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer?
The most common symptoms of laryngeal cancer are a lingering sore throat, excessive coughing or a cough that won't go away, ear pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty or painful swallowing, or a lump in the throat or neck area. Also, hoarseness or raspiness in the voice can be symptoms of laryngeal cancer.
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What are the current treatments for Laryngeal Cancer?
There are several treatments for laryngeal cancer, depending on the size of the cancer. The main treatment options are radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and keep them from growing. It is often used to treat early-stage laryngeal cancer or it can be used after surgery to stop cancerous cells returning. Surgical removal cancer cells is a common treatment for all stages of laryngeal cancer. There are several types of surgery options available depending of the severity of the cancer. Endoscopic resection is used in early-stage laryngeal cancer and uses lasers or small instruments to target specific areas of the larynx. A partial laryngectomy is another surgical procedure that involves surgically removing the affected part of the larynx. Some vocal cords are left in place and patients should still be able to talk, although the voice will be weaker. A total laryngectomy is performed on patients with advanced laryngeal cancer. The procedure involves removing the entire larynx, and sometimes lymph nodes. Since the entire larynx is removed in this procedure patients lose the ability to speak without mechanical assistance. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to shrink tumors before treatment or to make the radiation more effective.
Who are the top Laryngeal Cancer Local Doctors?
Christine Gourin
Elite in Laryngeal Cancer
Otolaryngology | Palliative Medicine
Elite in Laryngeal Cancer
Otolaryngology | Palliative Medicine

Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Floor 6, 
Baltimore, MD 
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Christine Gourin, M.D. M.P.H., is a head and neck surgical oncologist and palliative medicine specialist who treats patients with head and neck tumors, including tumors of the skin, melanoma, oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx, neck, salivary glands, sinuses, and skull base. Dr. Gourin received her medical degree from the State University of New York-Health Science Center at Brooklyn/Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Gourin trained in General Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Vermont, followed by a fellowship in Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. She has authored over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, 24 book chapters and two books: Medical and Surgical Management of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases and The Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Head and Neck Cancer. She is on the Editorial Board of The Laryngoscope and is a reviewer for numerous other head and neck surgery journals. Dr. Gourin is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in quality of care and outcomes with a lifelong interest in improved symptom management, communication, access to high-quality affordable care, and palliative medicine in head and neck cancer. She has an active head and neck surgical oncology practice and has been named to America’s Top Physicians and Best Doctors in America annually since 2005. She is the Director of the Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Cancer Supportive Care Clinic. Dr. Gourin is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Throat Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Gastrostomy.

Joseph Scharpf
Elite in Laryngeal Cancer
Otolaryngology
Elite in Laryngeal Cancer
Otolaryngology

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

9500 Euclid Avenue, 
Cleveland, OH 
Experience:
32+ years
Languages Spoken:
English

Joseph Scharpf is an Otolaryngologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Scharpf has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Throat Cancer, Human Papillomavirus Infection, Thyroidectomy, and Laryngectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Matthew E. Spector
Elite in Laryngeal Cancer
Otolaryngology
Elite in Laryngeal Cancer
Otolaryngology

Univ. Ear Nose & Throat Specialists - Eye And Ear Inst.

203 Lothrop Street, Suite 300, 
Pittsburgh, PA 
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Matthew E. Spector, MD, FACS, completed his medical school training at Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University in Chicago. He then went on to the University of Michigan where he completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction. He was on faculty at the University of Michigan for 10 years where he served as the Director of the Head and Neck Oncology Program and Associate Director of the Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship. Dr. Spector is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Throat Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Glossectomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Laryngeal Cancer?
The outlook for laryngeal cancer depends on when the cancer is detected and the severity of the tumors. Most laryngeal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, so the prognosis is generally better than with other types of cancer. Survival is about 70% after five years from diagnosis and 60% after ten years.
What are the possible complications of Laryngeal Cancer?
The most severe complication resulting from laryngeal cancer is the partial or total lose of voice if aggressive surgery is needed to remove tumors. If the condition is not treated quickly it can spread to other parts of the body.
When should I contact a medical professional for Laryngeal Cancer?
If the primary symptoms last for longer than three weeks it would be a good idea to get examined by a medical professional.
How do I prevent Laryngeal Cancer?
The easiest ways to prevent laryngeal cancer are to develop healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, snuff and chewing tobacco. Cut back on excessive alcohol consumption and eat a healthy diet that consists of lots of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins like fish. Don't eat a lot of red meat or fried foods.
What are the latest Laryngeal Cancer Clinical Trials?
A Phase 2 Window of Opportunity Trial of Neoadjuvant Agonistic Anti-CD40 Antibody CDX-1140 and Cemiplimab (REGN2810) in AJCC Stage III-IV Head and Neck Cancer Patients Prior to Surgery

Summary: This phase II trial compares the effectiveness of cemiplimab with CDX-1140 to cemiplimab without CDX-1140 prior to surgery in treating patients with stage III-IV head and neck cancer. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as cemiplimab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. CDX-1140 is a monoclonal antibo...

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Biomarker Stratified CaboZantinib (NSC#761968) and NivOlumab (NSC#748726) (BiCaZO) - A Phase II Study of Combining Cabozantinib and Nivolumab in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors (IO Refractory Melanoma or HNSCC) Stratified by Tumor Biomarkers - an immunoMATCH Pilot Study

Summary: This phase II trial studies the good and bad effects of the combination of drugs called cabozantinib and nivolumab in treating patients with melanoma or squamous cell head and neck cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Cabozantinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for ...