Larynx Cancer Treatment
Larynx Cancer Treatment
Treatment:
Laryngeal cancer is treated in many different ways depending on the severity and stage of the cancer. The following three methods are the most common treatments for laryngeal cancer. Some patients only undergo one of these treatments, while some experience all three.
~ Radiation therapy - Utilizes high-energy x-rays to eradicate cancer cells. These rays are directed at the malignant tumor and the surrounding tissue. This treatment only affects the area of the malignancy.
~ Laryngectomy - This invasive procedure involves a surgeon using a scalpel or laser to remove the tumor while the patient is anesthetized. There are many different types of laryngectomy procedures, the most common are:
- Total laryngectomy: the entire larynx is removed.
- Partial laryngectomy: a portion of the larynx is removed.
* Supraglottic laryngectomy: the top part of the larynx is excised.
* Cordectomy: one or both of the vocal cords are taken out.
As part of a laryngectomy, a stoma is often created in order to conserve the airway of a patient. This stoma is often temporary and needed only until recovery of the original airway is achieved.
~ Chemotherapy - this procedure involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are administered intravenously and travel throughout the entire body. It has many harsh side effects, but has been proven to work to reduce cancer cells.
