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LARYNGEAL CANCER
Presented By:
MS. KIRAN K. KARETHA
M.Sc (N), MSN (CCN)
INTRODUCTION
•The larynx is an organ located between the pharynx and trachea.
It plays an important role in:
•Voice production (phonation)
•Breathing
•Protecting the airway during swallowing
•Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common head and neck
cancers and occurs more frequently in men over 50 years of age,
especially those with a history of tobacco and alcohol use.
DEFINITION
•Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx
characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal
cells within the laryngeal tissues.
• It most frequently occurs as squamous cell
carcinoma and is strongly associated with tobacco use
and alcohol consumption.
TYPES OF LARYNGEAL CANCER
1. According to Location
A. Supraglottic Cancer
Supraglottic laryngeal cancer arises from the upper
part of the larynx, above the true vocal cords.
CONTI..
•Accounts for approximately 30–35% of laryngeal cancers.
•Rich lymphatic drainage leads to early spread to cervical
lymph nodes.
•Voice changes occur later because the true vocal cords are
initially unaffected.
•Often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than glottic
cancer.
CONTI..
2. Glottic Laryngeal Cancer
•Glottic laryngeal cancer originates from the true
vocal cords, which form the middle part of the larynx.
CONTI..
•Most common type, accounting for approximately
60–70% of cases. Sparse lymphatic drainage results in
less frequent early lymph node metastasis.
• Produces symptoms at an early stage because even a
small lesion affects vocal cord vibration.
•Frequently diagnosed early, making treatment more
successful.
CONTI..
3. Subglottic Laryngeal Cancer
Subglottic laryngeal cancer develops in the lower part
of the larynx, extending from below the true vocal
cords to the upper border of the trachea.
CONTI..
•Rarest type, accounting for approximately 5% of
laryngeal cancers.
•Symptoms appear late because the tumor can grow
without affecting the voice initially.
•Often invades surrounding structures before
diagnosis. May spread to lymph nodes and adjacent
tissues.
CAUSES AND RF
Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
Alcohol consumption
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Occupational exposure (asbestos, wood dust, chemicals)
Increasing age
Male gender
CONTI..
Previous head and neck cancer
Poor nutrition
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Family history and genetic susceptibility
Exposure to radiation
Weakened immune system (immunosuppression)
STAGES
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
Cancer is limited to the inner lining of the larynx.
No invasion into deeper tissues.
No lymph node or distant metastasis.
CONTI..
Stage I
Tumor is confined to one part of the larynx.
Vocal cords usually move normally.
No lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.
CONTI..
Stage II
Tumor has spread to more than one adjacent area of
the larynx or an adjacent region.
Vocal cord movement may be impaired.
No lymph node or distant metastasis.
CONTI..
Stage III
Tumor is confined to the larynx with vocal cord
fixation, or
Tumor has spread outside the larynx, or
Spread to one nearby lymph node (≤3 cm).
No distant metastasis.
CONTI..
Stage IVA
Tumor invades nearby structures (e.g., thyroid
cartilage, trachea, thyroid gland, esophagus, tongue
muscles).
OR spread to one or more regional lymph nodes.
No distant metastasis.
CONTI..
Stage IVB
Tumor invades major structures (e.g., prevertebral
space, carotid artery, mediastinum) or
Extensive regional lymph node involvement.
No distant metastasis.
CONTI..
Stage IVC
Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the
lungs, liver, or bones.
Distant metastasis is present.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Persistent hoarseness of voice (most common
symptom)
Change in voice quality
Sore throat that does not heal
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
CONTI..
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) or noisy breathing
(stridor)
Lump or swelling in the neck
Ear pain (referred otalgia)
Feeling of a lump in the throat (globus sensation)
CONTI..
Bad breath (halitosis)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Airway obstruction in advanced disease
Persistent cough
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
History and Physical Examination
Head and Neck Examination
Laryngoscopy
Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy
CONTI..
Biopsy
Contrast-Enhanced CT Scan of the neck
MRI Scan of the neck
PET-CT Scan (to detect metastasis and recurrence)
Chest X-ray or CT Chest (to assess lung metastasis or
synchronous lung cancer)
CONTI..
Blood Investigations (CBC, liver function tests, renal
function tests, coagulation profile)
Pulmonary Function Tests
Speech & Swallow evaluation
MANAGEMENT
The management of laryngeal cancer depends on the
site, stage (TNM), tumor size, vocal cord function,
and the patient's general health. The main goals are to
eradicate the cancer, preserve the voice and
swallowing function whenever possible, and prevent
recurrence.
CONTI..
1. Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for many early and advanced
laryngeal cancers.
a. Endoscopic Laser Surgery
Performed through the mouth using a laryngoscope and laser.
Removes small, early-stage tumors while preserving the larynx.
Short hospital stay and rapid recovery.
CONTI..
b. Partial Laryngectomy
Removes only the cancerous part of the larynx.
The remaining larynx is preserved, allowing speech
and swallowing.
Suitable for selected Stage I and II cancers.
CONTI..
c. Total Laryngectomy
Removal of the entire larynx.
A permanent tracheostomy (opening in the neck) is created
for breathing.
Voice rehabilitation is required using an electrolarynx,
esophageal speech, or a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis.
Usually performed for advanced tumors or recurrent disease.
CONTI..
d. Tracheostomy
Performed to maintain the airway when there is
severe airway obstruction.
CONTI..
2. Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
Primary treatment for early-stage laryngeal cancer to preserve
the voice.
Given after surgery (adjuvant therapy) if margins are positive
or lymph nodes are involved.
Combined with chemotherapy for advanced cancers.
CONTI..
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Common Drugs
Cisplatin
Carboplatin
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Docetaxel
CONTI..
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy specifically blocks molecules
involved in cancer growth.
Drug
Cetuximab
CONTI..
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize
and destroy cancer cells.
Drugs
Pembrolizumab
Nivolumab
LARYNGEAL CANCER created by KIRAN K. KARETHA