What Is Larynx?
The larynx is a part of the respiratory system located in the neck between the trachea and pharynx. The larynx is also called a voice box. The larynx is made up of cartilage, muscles, and ligaments. The thyroid cartilage is the largest, forming Adam's apple in males. Larynx has a significant role in breathing and speech. The larynx contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords produce sound by vibration when air passes through them during speech. The vocal cords also help to protect the trachea from food and liquid entering during swallowing. The disorders of the larynx result in difficulty breathing, hoarseness of voice, and swallowing problems. The larynx plays an important role in communication and respiratory function.
What Is Trachea?
The trachea, also called the 'windpipe', is a crucial component of the respiratory system that provides a pathway for air to enter and exit the lungs. The trachea is an important respiratory organ in many animals and humans. Trachea is a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs, allowing air passage. The inner lining of the trachea is made up of specialized cells that trap and remove foreign particles from the respiratory tract. The trachea also plays an important role in the production of sound. The vocal cords within the larynx at the top of the trachea vibrate as air passes over them, producing sound waves that can be shaped into speech by the tongue, lips, and other articulators. The trachea disease causes coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms.
What Are the Cancers of the Larynx?
The most common type of cancer of the larynx is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops from thin, flat cells lining the larynx. The other types of laryngeal cancer are lymphoma, adenosarcoma, and sarcoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of laryngeal cancer, accounting for about 90 percent of cases. The exact cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is unknown. Still, certain risk factors are smoking, heavy alcoholism, and exposure to chemicals and substances like asbestos and human papillomavirus.
Lymphoma of the Larynx
Lymphoma of the larynx affects the lymphoid tissues of the larynx. The lymphatic system helps the body to fight infections. The lymphatic system is a network of organs and tissues that helps fight infection, maintain fluid balance, and remove waste products. It is a part of the immune system that protects the body from pathogens. The lymphatic system is made up of spleen, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, the thymus gland, and tonsils. This system carries lymph, a clear fluid, throughout the body. The lymphatic system absorbs excess fluid from the tissues, returns it to the bloodstream, and helps prevent fluid buildup in the body.
Adenosarcoma
Adenosarcoma of the larynx is a rare malignant cancer from the glandular epithelium and mesenchymal stroma. The larynx contains lymphatic tissue and a thymus gland that produces T-cells that help fight infections and diseases.
What Are the Cancers of the Trachea?
The cancers of the trachea are very rare types of cancers, and they account for only 0.3 percent of all cancers. They can be life-threatening, and they require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the trachea. They start from the flat cells that line the trachea. Adenoid cystic carcinoma, a type of cancer of the trachea, is a slow-growing cancer that spreads to nearby organs and tissues.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and carcinoid carcinoma are the other types of cancer.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a rare type of trachea cancer. It belongs to a group of cancers called salivary gland tumors because it arises from the mucus cells and fluids in the trachea. The symptoms of this condition are often mistaken for other respiratory conditions. The symptoms of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the trachea include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for other respiratory conditions.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea is slow-growing cancer that does not show symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, it causes coughing, difficulty in breathing and wheezing. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea is diagnosed using CT (computed tomography) scans or MRIs (magnetic resource imaging) and confirmed with a biopsy.
Small Cell Carcinoma
Small cell carcinoma of the trachea is an aggressive type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the trachea. It belongs to the neuroendocrine cancer group characterized by its ability to signal molecules and hormones. The symptoms of small cell carcinoma are wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and hoarseness of voice.
How Are the Cancers of the Larynx and Trachea Diagnosed?
Cancers of the larynx and trachea are diagnosed after taking a medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy.
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Medical History: The doctor will ask about the history of symptoms, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and exposure to radiation. A family history of cancer increases the risk of developing tracheal and laryngeal cancer.
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Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the patient's throat and neck for any abnormalities, such as lumps or swelling. They may also use a special scope called a laryngoscope or bronchoscope to examine the inside of the larynx or trachea.
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Imaging Tests: A simple X-ray of the chest can show any abnormalities in the trachea or nearby structures. A CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays to create detailed body images. It can reveal the size and location of tumors in the larynx or trachea. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. It can help determine if cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. A PET (positron emission tomography) scan uses a special dye that is injected into the body to highlight areas of abnormal activity. This can help detect cancer that has spread beyond the larynx or trachea.
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Biopsy: A biopsy is a confirmatory cancer diagnosis where a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. The cells are checked for signs of cancer. The procedure is done using a needle.
How Is Cancer Treated?
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Surgery: Surgery is the first option for early-stage laryngeal or tracheal cancer. A partial or total laryngectomy is done to remove the cancer. A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that is done if there is any block in the trachea. It involves creating an opening in the front of the neck and into the trachea. This provides an alternate airway for bypassing any obstruction and breathing. In this procedure, an incision is made in the neck, and a tracheostomy tube is inserted into the trachea.
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Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy is the most common type used for laryngeal and tracheal cancer. It involves directing radiation beams from outside the body onto the affected area. Another type of radiation therapy, called brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive material inside the body close to the tumor.
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Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is often used for advanced-stage laryngeal or tracheal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Conclusion
Larynx and trachea cancer are two types of cancer that affect the respiratory system. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a part of the throat that contains the vocal cords. It plays a vital role in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Trachea, on the other hand, is a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs. Cancer can develop in either of these structures, leading to serious health complications. The causes of larynx and trachea cancer are not fully understood. However, research suggests that smoking and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for these types of cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants may also increase the risk of developing larynx and trachea cancer.
