Laryngeal cancer: What if it was cancer of the vocal cords?

Laryngeal cancer: What if it was cancer of the vocal cords? Cancer upper airway, the vocal tract more precisely, it relates more particularly men older than 50 years. Like all cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, cancer of the larynx is enhanced by smoking and alcohol consumption. However, with the increase in smoking among women, more and more women are concerned … What are the symptoms that may suggest

What are the symptoms of cancer of the larynx?

Laryngeal cancer often begins on the vocal cords. Thus the first major sign that accompanies this type of cancer is “dysphonia. This term refers to a hoarse voice, a kind of hoarseness escalating, which persists over time and resistant to standard treatment used to soften the throat.

Any person whose voice is hoarse for more than two weeks should consult their doctor.

Laryngeal cancer may also affect the structures surrounding the vocal cords. In such cases, other symptoms including:

- Pain and an earache (ear pain)

- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)

- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).

- In case of metastases, a mass in the neck may be palpable (cervical ganglia).

We note that one should not expect to suffer from these symptoms. Only a hoarseness that persists should alert and motivate a quick consultation.

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer based on endoscopic examination, to see the type of lesions and their precise location. This exam will be at the same time a biopsy confirming the presence of cancerous cells.

Other additional tests may be required to assess the spread of cancer (depth of lesions, presence of metastases) and for surgical treatment.