Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form
in the tissues of the larynx (voice box).
Although it is one of the more common head and neck cancers,
laryngeal cancer is still relatively rare. 10,0000 to 12,000 people
are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer annually. In the United States,
the majority of laryngeal cancers (more than 65%) occur on the vocal
cords (glottis), approximately 30% of laryngeal cancers occur in the
part of the larynx immediately above the vocal cords (supraglottis),
and the rest occur in the part of the larynx immediately below the
vocal cords (subglottis). These types of cancers are more common in
patients who smoke or consume alcohol excessively. They may also be
caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Treatment options vary
depending upon the part of the larynx involved by cancer. Therefore,
it is important to be seen by a team of physicians who have expertise
in treating this specific disease.
Laryngeal cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation, and/or
chemotherapy depending on the stage and type of cancer. Great advances
have been made in radiation therapy, laser surgery, and
larynx-conserving surgery so that the majority of laryngeal cancer
patients today are able to avoid a total laryngectomy (complete
removal of the voice box). In those patients who may require total
laryngectomy, voice restoration is now possible through implantation
of a prosthesis, which can be performed at the time of laryngectomy,
or later as a secondary procedure.
The head and neck cancer specialists at the Stanford Cancer Center
have extensive experience treating laryngeal cancer, and will provide
you with the multispecialty, quality, compassionate care that you
deserve. Your doctors and nurses will take care to minimize and manage
treatment side effects like inflammation, trouble swallowing, and hoarseness.
In addition, the multidisciplinary expertise of the Stanford Voice
Center, the Stanford Center for Human Communication, and Stanford
speech and swallowing therapists are integrated into treatment to
ensure maximum success in preserving your swallowing, speaking, and
breathing ability.
The larynx (voice box) is located just below the pharynx (throat) in
the neck. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make
sound when air is directed against them. The sound echoes through the
pharynx, mouth, and nose to make a person's voice.
Most laryngeal cancers form in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells
lining the inside of the larynx.
There are three main parts of the larynx:
-
Supraglottis: The upper part of the larynx above the vocal
cords, including the epiglottis.
-
Glottis: The middle part of the larynx where the vocal cords
are located.
-
Subglottis: The lower part of the larynx between the vocal
cords and the trachea (windpipe).