Larynx Cancer Diagnosis
Larynx Cancer Diagnosis
Laryngeal cancer results when the cell cycle in the tissues of the larynx goes awry. Normally, new cells are created to replace old ones at a steady rate, however, in cancer new cells are created when they are not needed and this can result in a malignant growth or tumor. Cancer is a life-threatening ailment when not diagnosed early enough. Untreated, the malignant cells can proliferate into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis.
Diagnosis:
There are many ways (or steps) in which cancer is diagnosed:
~ Physical examination - during this procedure, a physician will feel the throat for any abnormal lumps or growths. Using a tongue depressor, the doctor may also examine the back of the throat.
~ Indirect laryngoscopy - this procedure entails the physician checking the vocal folds and larynx for abnormal growths using a long-handled mirror.
~ Direct larygoscopy - here, a doctor inserts a long, lighted tube, called a laryngoscope, directly down the nose or throat in order to see more obscure parts of the larynx. A sedative and/or anesthetic is used to ease discomfort.
~ CT scan - this is a test in which an x-ray machine takes a closer look at the larynx. Typically, a special dye is injected into the area to help radiologists see the larynx.
~ Biopsy - Using a laryngoscope, a physician will extract a piece of any abnormal growth tissue and then send it to a pathology lab. A pathologist will then examine the cells for cancer. This test will generally confirm either a malignant or benign tumor.
