Treatment Options for Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the larynx.
The larynx contains vocal cords which vibrate to make sound as air is directed towards them. It is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea. When cancer develops in the larynx, it is called laryngeal cancer. A type of head and neck cancer, this cancer forms in the thin and flat cells, lining the inside of the larynx or the voice box.
Causes of Laryngeal Cancer
The biggest risk causing factor for laryngeal cancer is the use of tobacco products and overconsumption of alcohol. Signs and symptoms for laryngeal cancer may include sore throat, persistent cough, lump in neck or throat and pain in swallowing. Any noticeable issues pertaining to the throat should immediately be looked after and one should seek timely medical assistance.
Treatment Options for Laryngeal Cancer
The treatment for laryngeal cancer depends upon factors like size of the cancer, type, where it is located, has it spread and the overall health of the person. Treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines or immunotherapy.
- Surgery
If the cancer is detected at an early stage, surgery is the most common treatment option to get rid of it by removing it from the affected area. Different types of surgeries are planned depending upon what part of the larynx or the throat cavity has been affected and till where has the cancer spread. Surgery might be required to remove all or part of the voice box, or a laser may be used to remove the cancer. In some cases, after the visible and detectable cancer is removed, the doctors may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any cancer cells left behind. This treatment, given to lower the risk of relapse, is called adjuvant therapy.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs or medicines to kill the cancer cells or limit the cells from dividing further. It is taken orally or injected into the veins of the person. The drugs then enter the bloodstream, reach cancer cells and attack them, inhibiting their life and growth. Chemotherapy may be recommended before surgery to limit the size of cancer, after the surgery to stop the cancer from coming back or in cases of advanced cancer where the cells keep growing and spreading to different parts of the body. It may also be recommended adjoining radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) as the main treatment for laryngeal cancer.
- Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. External radiation therapy is when a machine is used outside the body to send x-ray/radiation to the part of the body with cancer cells. This treatment is usually used with chemotherapy to treat cancer at an early stage. In case of advanced cancer, it can also help improve and control the symptoms.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment where the patient’s immune system is used to fight against the cancer cells. Artificially created lab boosts, or naturally occurring substances in the body, that restore natural defenses are used against cancer.
- Targeted Medicines
Also known as targeted therapy, this is a type of treatment that uses drugs or identifies and attacks specific cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies made in laboratories are immune system proteins that help kill cancer cells. They are given by infusion to kill, block and limit the spread of cancer cells. Other targeted medicines are radiosensitizers, which are drugs that make the tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. Hence combining the two often works as a treatment plan for people.
Best Hospital & Doctors for Laryngeal Cancer
Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital & Cancer Institutes, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad, is home to the best Ex-Indian Army Cancer Oncologists trained from the most reputed cancer institutions in India and one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR to treat patients with Laryngeal cancer.
Dr. (Maj. Gen.) B.N. Kapur is one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR, and is also the Director of Medical Oncology at Yashoda Hospital, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad. He is skilled in treating patients with cancer using the latest evidence-based therapies.
Dr. (Maj.Gen.) Dharmesh S. Swaroop is a distinguished medical oncologist with over 30 years of experience. Director, Medical Oncology at Yashoda Hospital, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad, Dr. (Maj. Gen.) Dharmesh is known for his expertise in comprehensive cancer care, chemotherapy, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Dr. (Brig.) Arvind Kumar Tyagi is the Director of Surgical Oncology & Onco-Robotic Surgery at Yashoda Hospital, Sanjay Nagar. With more than 35 years of indelible experience in the Indian Army, he has performed uncountable cancer surgeries successfully.
Dr. Col N. Chakravarty is the Director of Radiation Oncology at Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital & Cancer Institutes. He also comes with a massive experience of thirty years in the field of oncology.
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