Cancer of the larynx: symptoms

Cancer of the larynx, the symptoms of which we will consider, is a dangerous and very terrible disease. With it, malignant tumor cells form in the tissues.

A laryngeal tumor may or may not be associated with cancer. However, it is worth noting that most of the tumors that arise in this area, one way or another, are associated with cancer.

Most often, laryngeal cancer, the symptoms of which we will consider, is found in people after forty. One hundred sick men account for about eight women.

Cancer of the pharynx and larynx: causes

There are so-called precancerous diseases. These include pachydermia, fibroma, papilloma, leukoplakia and so on. The development of cancer is also promoted by alcoholism and constant tobacco smoking.

Malignant papillomas are a symptom of beginning laryngeal cancer.

Symptoms at different stages

In the first stage, ulcers and tumors can be observed. As a rule, they are limited to the submucosal layer and mucous membrane. In the second stage, the above formations occupy the entire larynx, but do not go beyond it. The larynx remains mobile in the second stage. Metastasis in the regional zones is not observed.

In the third stage, approximately half the larynx becomes immobile. Over time, the tumor will spread to other departments of the site. There are metastases.

The fourth stage is characterized by an extensive tumor, which takes up more than half of the larynx. There is infiltration of many underlying tissues. The tumor can pass to other organs. In the lymph nodes metastases are detected.

Cancer of the larynx: symptoms

Symptoms, of course, depend precisely on the localization and stage of the disease. A tumor on false vocal cords or on the epiglottis for a long time may not cause any discomfort at all. It is very difficult to notice it. That tumor, which struck real vocal cords, betrays itself early. Because of her, the timbre of the voice changes immediately , and it becomes inconvenient to speak. More often than not, it is the hoarseness that makes the doctor consult the patient.

Over time, the tumor grows. The hoarseness is enhanced by this. After some time the patient will be able to speak only in a whisper. You can also observe a symptom such as shortness of breath. The triggered disease causes severe pain.

With cancer of the arytenoid cartilage, as well as the epiglottis, the pain does not appear immediately - at first there is a feeling of awkwardness. The disintegration of the tumor leads to increased pain. After a while, it will be possible to observe hemoptysis, as well as choking. The food goes badly through the esophagus.

Disintegrating, the tumor starts to smell foul. Patients are greatly tormented, their weight drops sharply, weakness appears in the body, dehydration can be observed.

Diagnosis of the disease

Laryngoscopy makes it possible to detect virtually any neoplasm. A tumor can be found even if its dimensions are quite small. Early diagnosis makes it possible to eliminate laryngeal cancer until it began to progress.

To confirm the disease the patient will have to pass tests and undergo some additional examination procedures. In some cases, a biopsy is done.

Treatment, as already mentioned, is most effective when the diagnosis is timely. To do this, use chemotherapy, radiation therapy and so on. In some cases, a surgical method is used.

Cancer of the larynx, the symptoms of which we have considered, is not a particularly common disease, but it does not happen so rarely. Of course, in the risk group are all lovers of tobacco. The stakes are high - maybe it's time to give up the bad habit that can ruin your life?