Throat cancer

Sophie Matzik is a freelance writer for the medical team.

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In cancer of the larynx, malignant tumors have formed on the larynx. It is one of the most common tumors of the throat in Germany and mainly affects men. Symptoms and therapy differ depending on the location and type of tumor. Here you can read everything you need to know about the causes, treatment and prognosis of larynx cancer.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. C32

Larynx cancer: description

The term larynx cancer describes a malignant growth in the larynx. The larynx is an organ in the throat that separates the trachea and esophagus and is used to produce the voice. In technical terms, the larynx is called the larynx; Laryngeal cancer is therefore also called laryngeal carcinoma or malignant laryngeal tumor.

Depending on which parts of the larynx cancer are affected, a distinction is made between different types of tumors:

Supraglottic carcinomas: above the level of the vocal folds; over 30 percent of all throat cancer cases.
Glottic carcinoma: at the level of the vocal folds (vocal cord carcinoma); over 65 percent of all throat cancer cases.
Subglottic carcinomas: below the level of the vocal folds; less than 1 percent of all throat cancer cases.

As a malignant tumor, the laryngeal carcinoma invades the surrounding healthy tissue (infiltration) and destroys it.In addition, cancer of the larynx can form metastases in other parts of the body, but only at an advanced stage.

Larynx cancer predominantly affects men over the age of 50. Because smoking is the main cause of the disease and the proportion of women smokers in Germany is increasing, women are also increasingly developing throat cancer. It is estimated that there are around 3,500 new cases in men and 500 new cases in women each year.

Although throat cancer is one of the most common tumors of the neck, the number of deaths from this type of cancer is low. In men, throat cancer accounts for about 1.5 percent of all cancer-related deaths; only one percent for women.

Larynx cancer: symptoms

You can read everything you need to know about the typical signs of throat cancer in the article Larynx cancer symptoms.

Larynx cancer: causes and risk factors

The biggest risk factors for a malignant larynx tumor are tobacco and alcohol consumption. If both factors occur in combination, the risk increases even further. In contrast to other types of cancer, tobacco and alcohol consumption do not represent non-specific risk factors in throat cancer: they directly promote the development of degenerate cells in the throat, malignant cells! These changed (mutated) cells then continue to grow unhindered and lead to laryngeal cancer.

Viruses can also contribute to the development of larynx cancer: In some patients, the genetic material of certain viruses was found in the changed cancer cells.

Another risk factor are pollutants such as asbestos, nickel, chromium, arsenic and benzopyrene.

Scientists also suspect that a hereditary predisposition can promote the development of larynx cancer.

Larynx cancer: examinations and diagnosis

If larynx cancer is suspected, the larynx is first examined directly (laryngoscopy or laryngoscopy). With direct laryngoscopy, the doctor uses a spatula and a small lamp in order to be able to examine the larynx and any changes directly. In indirect laryngoscopy, a mirror and a magnifying glass are used for this. This allows the doctor to assess the vocal folds, their mobility, and the appearance of the other parts of the larynx.

A microlaryngoscopy is performed to examine the larynx more closely. This takes place under anesthesia. The doctor can also take a tissue sample (biopsy) in order to examine it in the laboratory. Only with this examination can the clear diagnosis of larynx cancer be made.

In some cases, larynx cancer also has swollen lymph nodes on the neck. The doctor can determine this by external palpation.

Imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) can determine the location and size of the cancer of the larynx. A blood test supplements the diagnosis.

Larynx cancer: treatment

Before each treatment, the tumor is carefully examined under anesthesia. Because depending on the type, location and stage of the larynx cancer, different treatment options come into consideration: surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Laryngeal cancer at an early stage can usually be completely removed with a partial removal of the larynx (partial laryngectomy). If the location is favorable, the operation is performed through the mouth with the help of a powerful laser. In other cases, the larynx must be opened from the outside. A small incision is made on the neck. After this type of operation, those affected need a temporary artificial breath opening (tracheostoma). This is located in the front area of the neck. The person concerned absorbs air into the lungs through them. In some cases, the tracheostoma must remain in place for a lifetime.

If the larynx cancer is at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, the entire larynx must usually be removed (laryngectomy). After that, normal breathing is no longer possible because the trachea and esophagus are no longer separated from each other. Therefore, a tracheostoma is created after each complete larynx removal. In addition, those affected can no longer speak normally. As part of speech therapy, they learn a new way of speaking using the esophagus. In addition, artificial language aids are available to those affected.

If the cancer of the larynx has already spread to the cervical lymph nodes, these will also be removed during an operation.

Radiation and chemotherapy are used in three cases:

In patients where cancer of the larynx is still in its early stages
To reduce the risk of cancer cells remaining after surgery
In patients for whom anesthesia would be associated with too many risks

Regular check-ups should be carried out in the five years after treatment. A developing second carcinoma can be discovered quickly and treated immediately.

Larynx cancer: prevention

You can prevent throat cancer by minimizing tobacco and alcohol consumption or, best of all, by completely avoiding stimulants.

If you come into frequent contact with hazardous substances such as asbestos or chrome, you should always wear a respirator. Care should be taken especially in the event of occupational exposure or when renovating old houses. Contact with such hazardous substances can cause cancer of the larynx.

Larynx cancer: disease course and prognosis

With regard to the success rate of the therapy, as with other types of cancer, the same applies to larynx cancer: Age and general condition play an important role here. The older the person concerned is and the more comorbidities there are, the more difficult the therapy is as a rule.

Also, the prognosis depends on the stage at which the larynx cancer was diagnosed. The earlier a larynx cancer is discovered, the greater the chance of a complete cure. In addition, in many cases the larynx can be completely preserved.

The individual prognosis also depends on the type of tumor, the location of its occurrence and the response to therapy. Carcinoma of the vocal cord, for example, has a good chance of recovery, as it is noticeable for its early hoarseness and only relatively late in the formation of daughter tumors (metastases).

In general, around 60 percent of all patients are still alive five years after the diagnosis of throat cancer (5-year survival rate). If left untreated, cancer of the larynx can be fatal!

Smoking increases the risk of relapse

Anyone who (continues) to smoke after successful therapy is at a greatly increased risk of relapse. The mucous membranes on the larynx are already damaged after an illness has been overcome. This makes them more susceptible to the harmful substances in tobacco smoke, so that cancer of the larynx often develops again.

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