tumors

Symptoms Laryngeal tumors

Related articles: Laryngeal tumors

Definition

Laryngeal tumors originate, in most cases, from the mucous membrane that covers the inside of this canal, which is fundamental for speech and correct swallowing. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common laryngeal cancer (it strikes, as the name suggests, the squamous cells that make up a large part of the epithelium of lining).

95% of laryngeal cancers originate in smokers or those who abuse alcohol (the combination of the two factors multiplies the risk of developing cancer). Also the male sex and the age above 60 represent risk factors. Frequent sites of origin are the vocal cords (glottis) and the supraglottic larynx (above the vocal cords); less commonly, primary laryngeal tumors arise in the hypoglottic region (under the vocal cords).

Most common symptoms and signs *

  • Lowering of the voice
  • Aphonia
  • Language difficulties
  • Dysphagia
  • Dysphonia
  • Dyspnoea
  • hemoptysis
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Mass or swelling in the neck
  • odynophagia
  • Otalgia
  • Paralysis of the vocal cords
  • Weight loss
  • Throat Plates
  • Hoarseness
  • Blood in Saliva
  • Squeal

Further indications

The most frequent symptoms of laryngeal tumors involving vocal cords are dysphonia (altered timbre and tone of voice), dysphagia and dyspnea. The onset of these manifestations is early, so tumors can be diagnosed early in the disease.

On the other hand, supraglottic tumors and hypoglottic tumors are often found at an advanced stage, as they cause few symptoms, mostly represented by a sense of annoyance in swallowing. Tumor progression leads to difficulty or pain in swallowing (dysphagia and odynophagia) and other symptoms associated with airway obstruction. Furthermore, pain may appear that often radiates towards the ear (otalgia), while one or more lymph nodes located in the neck increase in volume.

The diagnosis is based on otorhinolaryngology, laryngoscopy and biopsy evaluation. Often, laryngeal tumors are preceded by precancerous changes (a potential risk of neoplastic transformation) of the lining epithelium: leukoplakias (whitish spots detected on the laryngeal mucosa) or erythroplachies (reddish lesions). A laryngeal examination may therefore be useful for all smokers and drinkers aged over 60 years.

Early stage laryngeal cancer treatment can be surgical or radiotherapeutic. Advanced cancers are more often treated by combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Distant metastases occur more frequently in the lungs and liver.