What is larynx cancer?

Larynx cancer, also known as laryngeal cancer, develops in the tissues of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. The most common type of larynx cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It develops in the thin and flat cells that line the inside of your larynx, says the best oncologist in Kolkata. Other types of larynx cancer include adenocarcinoma, which develops in the glandular cells of the larynx, and sarcoma, which develops in the connective tissue of the larynx.

The most common symptoms of larynx cancer include:

1. Persistent hoarseness or changes in the voice 2. Difficulty swallowing or feeling of something being stuck in your throat 3. Chronic cough or coughing up blood 4 . Sore throat or pain when swallowing 5. Ear pain or trouble hearing 6. Breathing difficulties 7. Lump or swelling in the neck 8. Unexplained weight loss

The exact cause of larynx cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. A cancer doctor in Kolkata explains below these risk factors:

1. Tobacco use: Tobacco use, including smoking pipes and cigarettes, is the most significant risk factor for larynx cancer. The longer a person smokes and the more they smoke, the greater their risk of developing the disease. 2. Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of larynx cancer, especially when combined with smoking. 3. Exposure to certain chemicals and irritants: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals and irritants, such as asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and coal dust, can increase the risk of larynx cancer. 4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux and GERD can irritate the lining of the larynx, increasing the risk of cancer. 5. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Certain strains of HPV have been linked to a risk of larynx cancer, particularly in non-smokers and non-drinkers. 6. Age and gender: Larynx cancer is more common in men and in people over the age of 55. 7. Family history: A family history of larynx cancer may increase the risk of you developing this disease.

As per a medical oncologist in Kolkata, the main treatment options for larynx cancer include:

1. Surgery : The surgeon may remove all or part of the larynx, depending on the location and size of the tumour. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes. 2. Radiation therapy : It utilises high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. This therapy might be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may also be used to preserve the voice box (larynx) in some cases. 3. Chemotherapy: It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. This therapy is often used to treat advanced larynx cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. 4. Targeted therapy: It is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs and other substances to target specific molecules or proteins that are involved in the spread and growth of cancer cells. It may be used alone or with other treatments. 5. Immunotherapy: It is a cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight against cancer. Immunotherapy may be used alone or with other treatments.