Laryngeal cancer, the symptoms of which we will consider, is a dangerous and very scary disease. With it, malignant tumor cells form in the tissues.
A laryngeal tumor may not be related to cancer. However, it is worth noting that most of the neoplasms that arise in this area, one way or another, are associated with cancer.
Most often, laryngeal cancer, the symptoms of which we will examine, 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. Alcoholism and persistent smoking also contribute to the development of cancer.
Malignant papillomas are a symptom of incipient laryngeal cancer.
Symptoms at various stages
In the first stage, ulcers and tumors can be observed. As a rule, they are limited to the submucosal layer and the mucous membrane. At the second stage, the above formations already occupy a whole section of the larynx, but do not go beyond it. The larynx in the second stage remains mobile. Metastasis in regional areas is not observed.
In the third stage, approximately half of the larynx becomes immobile. Over time, the tumor will spread to other departments of this area. Metastases appear.
The fourth stage is characterized by an extensive tumor, which occupies more than half of the larynx. There is an infiltration of many underlying tissues. The tumor can also go to other organs. Metastases are found in the lymph nodes.
Laryngeal Cancer: Symptoms
Symptoms, of course, depend precisely on the location and stage of the disease. A tumor on the false vocal cords or on the epiglottis for a long time can cause absolutely no discomfort. Noticing her is very difficult. The tumor that struck the real vocal cords, gives itself out early. Because of her, the timbre of the voice immediately changes , and it becomes uncomfortable to speak. Most often, it is hoarseness that makes the patient see a doctor.
Over time, the tumor grows. Hoarseness from this intensifies. After some time, the patient will be able to speak only in a whisper. You can also observe such a symptom as shortness of breath. A neglected disease causes severe pain.
With cancer of the arytenoid cartilage, as well as the epiglottis, pain does not occur immediately - at first there is a feeling of awkwardness. The decay of the tumor leads to increased pain. After some time, it will be possible to observe hemoptysis, as well as choking. Food passes poorly through the esophagus.
When decaying, the tumor begins to smell foul. Patients suffer greatly, their weight decreases sharply, weakness appears in the body, and dehydration can be observed.
Diagnosis of the disease
Laryngoscopy makes it possible to detect almost any neoplasm. A tumor can be found even if its size is very small. Early diagnosis makes it possible to eliminate laryngeal cancer until it starts to progress.
To confirm the disease, the patient will have to take tests and undergo some additional examination procedures. In some cases, a biopsy is done.
Treatment, as already mentioned, is most effective in cases where the diagnosis is made in a timely manner. For this, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and so on are used. In some cases, the surgical method is used.
Laryngeal cancer, the symptoms of which we examined, is not a very common disease, but it does not happen so rarely. Of course, all tobacco lovers are at risk. The stakes are high - maybe the time has come to give up a bad habit that can ruin your life?