Laryngeal Cancer Download PDF, 1.48MB, PDF OverviewThe diagnosis of cancer in a patient is often accompanied by disbelief and feelings of helplessness. The feeling of helplessness may be partly due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the many treatment options available.This series of brochures will provide you information on common head and neck cancers, focusing on the following:Common causes and symptomsInvestigations requiredTreatment options availableFor more information about the condition and treatment options, please consult a head and neck cancer specialist.Cancer Patient ServicesThe Department of Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose, Throat) in Tan Tock Seng Hospital offers the following services in relation to head and neck cancers:Diagnosis of the cancerAppropriate staging of the cancerTreatment – every cancer patient is discussed with a multi-disciplinary team to identify the most ideal evidence-based treatment Long-term follow up and monitoring to ensure the cancer does not returnLaryngeal CancerLarynx (or voice box) cancer is much more common in men than in women in Singapore. However, the overall incidence is decreasing. Main CausesSmokingExcessive alcohol consumptionCommon SymptomsHoarse voiceBlood in phlegmDifficulty in breathing Noisy breathing (stridor)Lymph glands in the neckWeight lossExamination and Tests Your doctor will perform a nasoendoscopy procedure, where a fibreoptic camera is passed through your nose to obtain a view of the voice box. Two types of investigations are required:Biopsy of the voice box to determine the presence of cancer. This is done under general anaesthesia.Scans to determine the spread of the disease. Commonly-performed scans include: • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the larynx and neck • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan of the whole bodyA Normal LarynxTumour in Larynx TreatmentThe treatment of larynx cancer depends on the stage of disease:Early stage: Either surgery OR radiotherapyAdvanced stage: Surgery and radiotherapy OR chemoradiotherapyChemoradiotherapy has the advantage of retaining the larynx but only some patients are suitable for this treatment. Your doctor will explain which treatment is most suitable for you.You will also need to undergo speech rehabilitation as surgical removal of the larynx will affect your speech.Cancer Care Management We work closely with other medical specialists and allied health professionals to ensure the most ideal Our aim is the same as yours – to fight off the cancer and return you to an ideal quality of life.
