Head and Neck Cancer

Laryngeal cancers are the most common type of head and neck cancers and are considered largely preventable. Accounting for 45–50% of head and neck cancers, laryngeal cancer is seen 4–5 times more often in men over 40 and represents 9% of all cancers. It is rarely observed in adults who do not smoke or drink.

THE IMPACT OF SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
About 30% of head and neck cancers are related to smoking and alcohol consumption. Those who smoke for more than 10 years face a 10–15 times higher risk compared to non-smokers. Prevention and recurrence control are possible by avoiding tobacco and alcohol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms of Laryngeal and Pharyngeal Cancers:

• Persistent voice changes

• Hoarseness

• Lump in the neck

• Difficulty swallowing

• Long-term sore throat

Types of Laryngeal Cancers:

• Hypopharyngeal cancer: Occurs in the lower throat, above the esophagus and trachea, often linked to reflux.

• Glottic cancer: Begins in the vocal cords.

•  Supraglottic cancer: Arises in the upper part of the larynx, including the epiglottis—the cartilage that prevents food from entering the airway.

• Subglottic cancer: Found below the vocal cords.

TREATMENT OF HEAD AND NECK CANCERS
Diagnosis may include endoscopy (to view the larynx directly), biopsy, and imaging such as CT or PET. For early-stage patients, surgery followed by radiotherapy can provide survival rates up to 90%. Advanced-stage patients may require combined therapy, with lower success rates.

For evaluation and treatment, please contact the ENT Clinic at Emsey Hospital.