Cancer of the larynx

Larynx cancer refers to a malignant tumor in the human larynx. Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which are derived from squamous cells, forming the majority of the laryngeal epithelium.
The cancer can develop in any part of the larynx, but the cure rate is affected by the location of the tumor. For tumor staging, the larynx is divided into three anatomical regions: the glottis (true vocal cords, anterior and posterior commissures), the supra-glottis (epiglottis, arytenoids and false vocal cords) and infrastructure (glottic or subglottic).
Most laryngeal cancers originate in the glottis. Supraglottic cancers are less common, and the infra-glottic tumors are less frequent.
The tumor may spread by direct extension to adjacent structures, by metastasis to neck lymph nodes, or more distantly, through the bloodstream. Distant metastases to the lung are also common.
Treatment
The treatment of cancers of the head and neck can cause dental problems, speech and swallowing. The earlier diagnosis, the greater the possibility of the treatment avoid physical deformities and psychosocial problems.
In addition to the survival results, considerations about the quality of life of patients between treatment modalities employed are very important to determine the best treatment.
However, even in patients who underwent total laryngectomy rehabilitation is possible through the use of voice prostheses tracheo-esophageal phonation.
According to the location and stage of the cancer, it can be treated by surgery and / or radiotherapy and chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy having a number of surgical procedures available according to the characteristics of the case and the patient.
In some cases, in order to preserve his voice, radiotherapy can be selected first, leaving surgery to the rescue when radiotherapy is not sufficient to control the tumor.
The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is used in organ preservation protocols, developed for more advanced tumors. The results in the preservation of the larynx have been positive. Likewise, new surgical techniques have been developed allowing to preserve the function of the larynx, even in moderately advanced tumors.
Prevention
The laryngeal cancer (cancer of the Lula) is highly preventive, because only less than 5% of cases of laryngeal cancer are non-smokers - so more than 95% are smokers - and the risk decreases with smoking cessation after five years and approaches the risk of non-smokers around ten years after the end of smoking.

Other causes of laryngeal cancer that are usually associated with smoking:
- Intimate orally: HPV can cause cancer of the throat and larynx
- Alcoholic beverages