Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer describes a disease in which malignant cancer cells invade the tissue of the voice box. These tumors are more common in individuals who have a history of heavy tobacco and / or alcohol use. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include hoarse voice, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and ear pain.

These tumors can be examined in the office with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope that is placed through the nose and into the back of throat. A careful physical examination of the head and neck is also performed at that time. If a tumor is suspected, an operation may be scheduled to evaluate the size and location of the tumor and to obtain a biopsy. A CT scan or MRI is often performed to better assess the neck and lymph nodes.

Treatment of laryngeal cancer is individualized to the patient, their desires, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Small, localized tumors can often be treated with a minimally invasive surgery or with radiation therapy directed at the voice box. Our head and neck surgeons perform cutting-edge laser surgeries on small laryngeal tumors that have minimal impact on voice and swallowing. Larger tumors may need more aggressive surgery or treatment with either radiation or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. These tumors may spread to the neck and require surgery on the lymph nodes of the neck. Given the voice box’s important roles in speech and swallowing, treatment of laryngeal cancer can impair both of these essential functions. By working closely with our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, and speech therapists, we ensure that each patient achieves the best chance of cure with the best possible long-term speech and swallowing function.