Patient Resources | Testimonials | News | Google Reviews  | Book Appointment 
Patient Resources  |Book Appointment
Testimonials  |News  |Google Reviews
Book An Appointment214-305-8667Google ReviewsNewsTestimonialsPatient Resources

Experienced, Caring & Innovative

Book An Appointment214-438-5188 Google ReviewsNewsTestimonialsPatient Resources

Experienced, Caring & Innovative

Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 38,000 new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2002; about 9,000 of these were in the larynx (voice box). Experts anticipate similar statistics for 2003.

An estimated 3,700 people died of laryngeal cancer in 2002 representing approximately two thirds of one percent of all cancer deaths in this country. Even for disease survivors, the consequences of laryngeal cancer are often severe. Laryngeal cancer is a preventable disease because the risk factors are associated with modifiable behaviors.

The Causes of Laryngeal Cancer

Development of this deadly disease is a process which involves many factors, but approximately 90 percent of head and neck cancers occur after exposure to known carcinogens (cancer causing substances) causing a type of the disease called squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA).

Smoking: More than 95 percent with laryngeal SCCA are smokers. Smoking contributes to cancer by causing mutations or changes in genes, impairing clearance of carcinogens from the respiratory tract, and decreasing the body's immune response. Tobacco use is measured in pack-years, where one pack per day for one year is one pack-year (or one pack per day for two years, or two packs per day for one year, equals two pack-years). Depending upon the number of pack-years smoked, studies have reported that smokers are about five to 35 times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer than nonsmokers. Other research findings indicate that the duration of tobacco exposure is probably more important overall to the cancer causing effect than the intensity of the exposure.

Alcohol: This acts as a promoter of the cancer causing process making it another important risk factor for laryngeal cancer. The major clinical significance of alcohol is that it enhances the harmful effects of tobacco at a magnitude that is more than just additive. Essentially, people who smoke and drink alcohol have a combined risk that is greater than the sum of the individual risks. The American Cancer Society recommends that those who drink alcoholic beverages should limit the amount, and one drink per day is considered a limited alcohol exposure.

Other Risk Factors: Certain viruses, such as human papilloma virus (HPV), acid reflux, and occupational exposure to asbestos likely contribute to causing laryngeal cancer. Vitamin A and beta-carotene may play a protective role in the disease process.

Signs And Symptoms Of Laryngeal Cancer

  • Progressive or persistent hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent sore throat or pain with swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pain in the ear
  • Lump in the neck

Anyone with these signs or symptoms, and having risks for laryngeal cancer, should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). The primary treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Remember that this is a preventable disease in the vast majority of cases, because the main risk factors are associated with modifiable behaviors. Do not smoke and do not abuse alcohol.

Hoarseness or roughness in your voice is often caused by a medical problem. Contact an otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeon if you have any sustained changes to your voice.

This information is provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Inc., (AAO-HNS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. (AAO-HNSF) for educational purposes only. Any information provided in this website should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck surgeon or other physician.

Dallas Pollen Count

For today's Dallas allergy report, enter your zip code below.



Provided by pollen.com.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

“I think I’m singing better today than I’ve ever sung in my life. Hitting the high notes is no trouble at all.”
- Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who

READ FULL TESTIMONIAL

“Just wanted to share a photo, Dr. Pandit and all his staff are amazing. Great service from the inital phone call…”

READ FULL TESTIMONIAL

“My wife has been complaining about my snoring for a very long time and I finally decided to take care of it. I…”

READ FULL TESTIMONIAL

“I am 80 years old. I have had a hearing problem since I was involved in an explosion in 1974. I have been fitted…”

READ FULL TESTIMONIAL

“I have always had sinus issues. I went to another ENT and he sent me to get a CT and to see a sinus specialist.…”

READ FULL TESTIMONIAL