Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

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.

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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?

Dr. Gregory S. Weinstein

Otolaryngology

Elite

Highly rated in

conditions

Otolaryngology

Penn Medicine

Perelman Center For Advanced Medicine

3400 Civic Center Blvd

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Gregory Weinstein is an Otolaryngologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Weinstein has been practicing medicine for over 37 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 31 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Tongue Cancer, Throat Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, and Salivary Gland Tumors. He is licensed to treat patients in Pennsylvania. Dr. Weinstein is currently accepting new patients.

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Dr. Christine G. Gourin

Otolaryngology

Elite

Highly rated in

conditions

Otolaryngology

Johns Hopkins Health System

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

1800 Orleans St

Baltimore, MD 21287

Christine Gourin is an Otolaryngologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Gourin has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. She is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Throat Cancer, Swallowing Difficulty, and Laryngectomy. She is licensed to treat patients in Georgia and Maryland. Dr. Gourin is currently accepting new patients.

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Dr. William M. Mendenhall

Radiation Oncology

Elite

Highly rated in

conditions

Radiation Oncology

University of Florida Health

UF Health Radiation Oncology Davis Cancer Pavilion

1535 Gale Lemerand Dr

Gainesville, FL 32610

William Mendenhall is a Radiation Oncologist in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Mendenhall has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. He is also highly rated in 46 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Squamous Cell Skin Carcinoma, Throat Cancer, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Laryngeal Cancer. He is licensed to treat patients in Florida. Dr. Mendenhall is currently accepting new patients.

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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 Ib Study of Concurrent Chemoradiation in Combination With or Without PD1 Inhibitor AB122 Adenosine 2a Receptor / Adenosine 2b Receptor Inhibitor AB928 Therapies in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers (PANTHEoN)

Status: Not yet recruiting

Start Date: July 2022

Intervention Type: Radiation, Drug

Study Drugs: Cisplatin

Phase: Phase 1

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Summary: The purpose of this study is to test the safety and tolerability of chemotherapy and radiation in combination with the investigational study drugs zimberelimab (AB122) and etrumadenant (AB928) in subjects with a locally advances head or neck cancer. The study will also ask how the study drugs change the following:~The microbiome that lives in the mouth and on the skin~Immune cells as they respond ...

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A Phase I Trial of Stereotactic HYpofractionateD RadioAblative (HYDRA) Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer

Who is this study for: Patients with Malignant Neoplasms of Respiratory and Intrathoracic Organs

Status: Recruiting

Start Date: August 9, 2017

Intervention Type: Behavioral, Radiation

Phase: Phase 1

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Summary: The goal of this clinical research study is to find the highest tolerable dose of stereotactic hypofractionated radioablation (HYDRA) radiation that can be given to patients with laryngeal cancer. The safety of this radiation will also be studied.

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What are the Latest Advances for Laryngeal Cancer?