Cancer of the larynx accounts for 2-3% of all malignancies and presents unique challenges for nurses due to resulting deformities from the disorder and its treatments. It can occur in the glottis, supraglottis, or subglottic structures. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol, and occupational exposures. Squamous cell carcinoma is most common; glottic tumors interfere with vocal cord function while supraglottic tumors partially hide the cords. Diagnosis involves laryngoscopy, imaging, and lab tests. Management consists of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination depending on the cancer's location and stage.

1. CANCER OF THE LARYNX
Cancer of the larynx accounts for 2% to
3% of all malignancies. Care of the
client with ca larynx presents a unique
challenge to the nurse because of the
cosmetic and functional deformities
resulting from disorder & its treatment.

2. CLASSIFICATION
Ca larynx (voice box) may occur on
1. The glottis (true vocal cords)
2. The supraglottis (above the vocal cords)
3. The subglottic structures (below the vocal
cords)

3. ETIOLOGY & RISK FACTORS
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Occupational exposure to asbestos, wood
dust, mustard gas, petroleum products,
inhalation of noxious fumes.
• Chronic laryngitis
• Voice abuse

4. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common
malignant tumor of the larynx
• Metastasis from ca glottis is unusual but from
elsewhere in the larynx is spread quickly due
to abundant lymphatic vessels

5. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
1. Glottic tumor: True glottic tumors interfere
with normal closure and vibration of the
vocal cords.
Early: Voice change, hoarseness, haemoptysis
Late: Dyspnea, respiratory obstruction,
dysphagia, weight loss, pain
Metastasize: Through regional lymph nodes

6. 2. Supraglottic tumors: Carcinoma of the false
cord partially hiding the true cord
Early: Aspiration on swallowing, persistent
unilateral sore throat, foreign-body sensation,
dysphagia, weight loss, neck mass, hemoptysis
Late: Dyspnea, pain

7. 3. Sub glottic tumors: This type of polyp can be
single and smooth or lobulated
Early: None
Late: Dyspnea, airway obstruction, dysphagia,
weight loss, hemoptysis

8. DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS
• History & physical examination
• Laryngoscopy
• CT & MRI
• Laboratory analysis: CBC, serum electrolytes,
kidney function test, liver function test
• Chest radiography, Barium swallow study,
Esophagography: To rule out the metastasiss

9. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT