LARYNGECTOMY FAQ'S

 What are the most common symptoms of larynx cancer?
(from the American Cancer Society)

Some laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers can be found early. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. 

Symptoms of glottic cancer: Laryngeal cancers that form on the glottis (vocal cords) are often diagnosed at a very early stage. This is because even small tumors in this area can cause hoarseness. Hoarseness that does not improve within two weeks, particularly in people who are at high risk for laryngeal cancer should be evaluated
by a doctor. A complete head and neck examination that includes laryngoscopy (viewing of the vocal cords and larynx) should be done. This examination requires special equipment and is usually done by head and neck surgeons or otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists).

Symptoms of supraglottic, subglottic, and hypopharyngeal cancers: Cancers that start in the supraglottis (the area of the larynx above the vocal cords), the subglottis (the area below the vocal cords) or the hypopharynx, are usually discovered at later stages than those that arise on the vocal cords. The symptoms of cancer in these areas are much more vague. Symptoms may include a sore throat, coughing, pain or difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and difficulty breathing. Hoarseness occurs only after these cancers reach a later stage or have spread to the vocal cords. These cancers are sometimes not found until they have spread to the lymph nodes and the patient notices a growing mass in the neck. 

Spread of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers: An important factor influencing how quickly cancers spread is the distribution of lymphatic vessels in different areas of the larynx and hypopharynx. Lymphatic vessels are small channels that are similar to veins except, instead of carrying blood, they carry lymph between lymph nodes and other tissues of the body. Lymph is a clear fluid that contains immune system cells. Lymph nodes are bean-shaped collections of immune system cells that help fight infection and cancers. Although lymphatic vessels help to keep body tissues healthy, they also can provide a path for cancer cells to spread along. One of the reasons why glottic cancers do not spread early is that the vocal cords contain very few lymphatic vessels. On the other hand, other areas of the larynx and hypopharynx contain many lymphatic vessels, making it easier for cancers starting there to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.