HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)laryngeal cancerMy reports indicate that I have cancer in my voice box. Will I get better with treatment?

Can treatment help cure cancer in the voice box?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At January 6, 2023
Reviewed AtSeptember 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 62-year-old male. I have difficulty breathing and distressed sleeping patterns leading to breathlessness associated with coughing and loss of voice over a prolonged time. My present report findings is as below- 1. There are extensive osteophytes arising from the anterior and lateral margins of the C3 to C6 cervical vertebrae, most of which show bridging components. Severe degenerative changes and osteophytosis of the spinous process are also noted. There is a mild reduction in the vertical height of the C3 to the C6 vertebrae, suggestive of osteoporosis-induced changes. There is no gross osteolytic metastatic focus. 2. There is no evidence of vertebrae collapse or spondylolisthesis. 3. There is a marked reduction with endplate changes and vacuum phenomena involving the C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7 intervertebral disc spaces. The oropharynx also appears grossly normal. 4. The nasopharynx appears otherwise grossly normal, with a demonstrable symmetric outline, without any demonstrable nasopharyngeal mass. The fossae of Rossenmuller and the torus tubarius are preserved bilaterally. 5. The paranasal sinuses and both mastoid air cells are grossly normal, without any demonstrable polyp, fluid collection, or bony wall changes. 6. The visualized intracranial cavity appears grossly unremarkable. There is no shift in the midline brain structures. In particular, there is no evidence of intracranial space-occupying lesion or raised intracranial pressure. 7. The cerebellar hemispheres and sellar regions are grossly normal. The bone window shows preserved basal skull and calvarial bony outline. The overlying soft tissues of the scalp are intact. 8. The CT features indicate an extensive minimally enhancing laryngeal mass, with severe supraglottic and glottic stenosis, early right infra-glottic extension, as well as resultant severe airway obstruction. The consideration is a laryngeal malignancy. 9. ENT evaluation with laryngoscopy and biopsy for histologic correlation is advised for further evaluation. Will I get better with treatment? Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. According to the reports, you have a laryngeal mass glottic to supraglottic extension, and you have already been tracheostomized. The histopathological report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) suggests evidence of invasive carcinoma. You should do well. Laryngeal malignancies have a very good prognosis with appropriate treatment, surgery, and chemoradiation. Currently, many prostheses help in providing an alternative form of speech production post-surgery. I suggest you follow up with the following details. 1. Is a PET-CT (positron emission tomography - computerized tomography) scan performed? 2. What is your current treatment plan? I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I have a few queries regarding the surgery. 1. Is invasive surgery imminent? 2. Will the whole larynx be removed? 3. What is the risk for the operation? 4. Will only the growth be removed? 5. How long will the operation take place? 6. How much will it cost? 7. How long will it take to recover? 8. Will I be able to talk or communicate after the surgery? 9. How long will it take to restore the voice?

Answered by Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since three subsites of your larynx have cancer, invasive surgery will be necessary to have a good quality of life. A total laryngectomy will be performed, removing the whole larynx with neck node dissection (if nodes are involved). It is a major surgery done under general anesthesia, and the surgical procedure usually takes four to six hours, and the cost depends on your location and hospital. You will recover completely in a month's time. There is always a risk of loss of voice, which a voice prosthesis (tracheoesophageal prosthesis) can solve. Once a voice prosthesis is fitted, you may require training by a speech pathologist to get good phonation. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Akshay. B. K.
Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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