"Excellent service at the hospital & Dr Manish Prakash is an excellent ENT Surgeon in Gurgaon, he is treats patients with lots of care . the staff is very cooperative & polite."
Overview
Laryngeal cancer is a serious condition that affects the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. Located in the throat, the larynx plays a key role in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the airway during swallowing. Cancers in this region can significantly impact voice, speech, and quality of life. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and expert management by an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist, laryngeal cancer can be effectively treated.
At our ENT clinic, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment services for laryngeal cancer using a multidisciplinary and patient-centric approach. Whether you’re noticing persistent hoarseness or difficulty speaking, our experienced ENT team is here to help you every step of the way.
What Is Laryngeal Cancer?
Laryngeal cancer originates in the tissues of the larynx, most commonly from squamous cells that line the inside of the voice box. It can occur in different regions of the larynx:
- Glottis (vocal cords) – most frequent site
- Supraglottis (above the vocal cords)
- Subglottis (below the vocal cords)
Early-stage laryngeal cancers are highly treatable and can often be cured without major impact on speech when managed by an expert ENT.
Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer
Persistent symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they last more than two to three weeks. Common warning signs include:
- Hoarseness or voice change
- Persistent sore throat or cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Pain while speaking or swallowing
- Ear pain (referred pain)
- Difficulty breathing in advanced stages
- Lump in the neck due to lymph node spread
An ENT specialist can evaluate these symptoms using advanced laryngoscopy tools for accurate diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors can help in prevention and early detection:
- Smoking: The number one cause of laryngeal cancer.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption:: Especially when combined with smoking
- HPV Infection: Human Papillomavirus is associated with some throat cancers.
- Age & Gender: Human Papillomavirus is associated with some throat cancers.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, or industrial chemicals.
- Poor nutrition and acid reflux: Can also contribute to chronic irritation
Diagnosis by ENT Specialist
ENT specialists are usually the first doctors to detect laryngeal cancer through a comprehensive evaluation. The diagnostic process includes:
- Laryngoscopy: Direct visualization of the voice box using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Biopsy: If a suspicious lesion is found, tissue samples are taken for histopathological examination.
- Imaging: CT scan, MRI, and PET scans help assess tumor size, location, and spread.
- Voice and Swallowing Assessment:: Evaluates the functional impact of the tumor.
Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential to choosing the best treatment strategy.
Treatment Options
The choice of treatment for laryngeal cancer depends on the location, size, stage of cancer, and the patient’s overall health. ENT specialists play a vital role in planning and delivering treatment, especially surgical options.
1. Radiation Therapy
- Often used for early-stage glottic cancers
- ENT doctors monitor and manage side effects such as hoarseness, dry mouth, or throat inflammation.
2. Surgical Treatment
Surgery is frequently recommended for both early and advanced cases. Options include:
- Endoscopic Laser Surgery: Minimally invasive removal of small tumors through the mouth.
- Partial Laryngectomy: Removes a portion of the larynx, preserving voice and swallowing.
- Total Laryngectomy: Required for advanced tumors; involves removing the entire larynx and creating a stoma (breathing hole) in the neck.
- Neck Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes if cancer has spread.
ENT surgeons are specially trained in these delicate procedures, prioritizing both cancer control and preservation of function.
3. Chemoradiation
For more advanced stages, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation may be recommended. ENT doctors coordinate care with oncologists and monitor complications.
Post-Treatment Rehabilitation
Treatment for laryngeal cancer, particularly surgery, can affect speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Our ENT team offers complete support including:
- Voice therapy with speech-language pathologists
- Swallowing rehabilitation to restore normal eating
- Stoma care training for patients after total laryngectomy
- Voice restoration devices like tracheoesophageal speech prosthesis
We focus on restoring quality of life and ensuring emotional well-being through personalized follow-up care.
Why Choose Our ENT Specialists?
- Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical management of voice box cancers
- Advanced diagnostic facilities including endoscopic and imaging tools.
- Multidisciplinary approach with oncologists, radiologists, and speech therapists.
- Patient-first care: We emphasize voice preservation, aesthetics, and quality of life.
- Full rehabilitation services for voice and airway management
Prognosis
The outlook for laryngeal cancer is highly favorable when diagnosed early. The good survival rate for localized cancer (confined to the larynx) can be a long term solution. Even advanced cases can be managed successfully with combined treatments and expert care from ENT specialists.
Book a Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing chronic hoarseness, voice changes, or throat discomfort, don’t ignore the signs. Our ENT specialists are here to help with expert diagnosis, tailored treatment, and compassionate care. Book a consultation today to take the first step toward recovery
