Larynx cancer causes and prevention

Larynx cancer is a malignancy of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx) or any other area in the throat.


CAUSE
Laryngeal cancer is more common in men and is associated with smoking and alcohol consumption.


SYMPTOMS
Cancer of the larynx is usually derived from the vocal cords, causing hoarseness. Someone who experienced hoarseness for more than 2 weeks should be checked out. Other parts of laryngeal cancer causes pain and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes a lump in the neck which is the spread of cancer to lymph nodes, appeared first before other symptoms appear.

Other symptoms that may occur are:
- Sore throat
- Neck pain
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Abnormal breathing sounds.


Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis made laryngoscope and biopsy examination. CT scans and MRI head or neck can also indicate the presence of laryngeal cancer.


TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the location of cancer within the larynx. Early-stage cancer treated with surgery or radiation therapy. If attacking the vocal cords, more often do radiation therapy because it can maintain a normal voice. Advanced cancer is usually treated with surgery, which may include removal of all parts of the larynx (laringektomi total or partial), followed by radiation therapy.

Appointment of the vocal cords causing the patient does not have a voice.
The new sound is made with one of the following ways:

Esophageal speech, patients are taught to bring air into the esophagus when breathing and exhale slowly to produce sound.
Trakeoesofageal fistula, is a one-way valve is inserted between the trachea and esophagus.
This valve pushes air into the esophagus when the patient breathing, thus producing sound.
If the valve function abnormalities, fluid and food can accidentally get into the trachea.
Elektrolaring is a tool that acts as a sound source and installed in the neck.

The sound produced by the third way is converted into a conversation by using the mouth, nose, teeth, tongue and lips. The sound produced is weaker than normal voice.


PREVENTION
Reduce or avoid cigarettes and alcohol.