Laryngeal Cancer - Ozan Seymen Sezen

Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Laryngeal Cancer: The larynx is an important part of the respiratory tract, centered on vital functions such as voice production, breathing, and swallowing. However, in some cases, malignant cellular changes can occur in the laryngeal tissue, leading to laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers, and if not diagnosed and treated early, it can seriously threaten both lifespan and quality of life. ENT specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who practices in his own clinic in Istanbul, achieves high success rates in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal cancer through modern methods, a multidisciplinary approach, and patient-centered planning.

In this article, we will comprehensively cover all questions such as what laryngeal cancer is, which risk factors are associated with it, how it presents, how it is diagnosed, and which treatment options are applied.

What Is Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor formed by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the larynx. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngeal cancer can arise in different regions of the larynx:

Supraglottic region (above the vocal cords)
Glottic region (vocal cords)
Subglottic region (below the vocal cords)

The tumor’s origin affects symptoms, treatment planning, and disease course directly. Tumors in the glottic region often present early with noticeable hoarseness, allowing for earlier diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors of Laryngeal Cancer

Many factors can contribute to the development of laryngeal cancer. The most common risk factors include:

Smoking: The most significant risk factor for laryngeal cancer. The amount and duration of smoking increase risk.
Alcohol consumption: Especially synergistic with tobacco use, multiplying risk.
HPV infection: Human papillomavirus can play a role in some laryngeal cancers.
Asbestos and chemical exposure: Particularly in industrial workers, risk is elevated.
Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV infection that suppress immunity increase risk.
Poor oral and dental hygiene: Chronic irritation and hygiene deficiencies in the mouth facilitate cancer development.
Genetic predisposition: Higher risk in individuals with a family history of head and neck cancer.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen evaluates these risk factors and provides preventive recommendations and regular screening programs for at-risk individuals.

What Are the Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer?

Symptoms vary depending on tumor location and size. The most common symptoms include:

Persistent hoarseness: Voice changes lasting more than two weeks are alarming.
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat: A constant feeling of something stuck.
Difficulty swallowing: Especially painful swallowing or feeling food getting stuck.
Chronic throat pain: Pain radiating to the neck or ear.
Cough: Persistent cough, especially with bloody sputum.
Neck swelling: Painless masses due to lymph node metastasis.
Shortness of breath: Occurs in advanced tumors obstructing the airway.

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult an ENT specialist without delay. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen carefully evaluates these complaints to initiate early diagnosis.

How Is Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosed?

A rapid and accurate approach to diagnosis is lifesaving. The diagnostic process includes:

Clinical examination: Detailed inspection of the mouth, throat, and neck.
Endoscopic evaluation: Direct visualization of the larynx using flexible or rigid endoscopy.
Biopsy: Tissue sampling from the suspicious lesion for histopathological examination. Biopsy provides definitive diagnosis.
Imaging studies: MRI, CT, or PET-CT to assess local spread, lymph node status, and distant metastases.
Vocal cord function assessment: Examination of vocal cord movement and function with specialized equipment.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen organizes the diagnostic process quickly and reliably for patients suspected of having laryngeal cancer.

Stages of Laryngeal Cancer and Their Importance

Staging determines disease spread and guides treatment planning. The TNM system assesses tumor size (T), regional lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M):

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Cancer cells are confined to the surface epithelium with no invasion.
Stage I: Small tumor without limitation of vocal cord movement and no lymph node metastasis.
Stage II: Larger tumor or limited impairment of vocal cord movement but still localized.
Stage III: Tumor may not extend beyond the larynx but involves ipsilateral neck lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Tumor invades surrounding tissues, involves contralateral lymph nodes, or shows distant metastases.

Early-stage diagnosis offers higher treatment success and function preservation. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen creates personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive staging.

Treatment Options for Laryngeal Cancer

The primary goals are complete tumor removal, prolonged survival, and voice preservation whenever possible. Treatment options depend on the stage, tumor location, patient’s health, and individual expectations:

Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted biological therapies

These methods are often combined.

Surgical Treatment in Laryngeal Cancer

Surgery is effective, especially in early-stage laryngeal cancer. Techniques vary according to stage and localization:

Partial laryngectomy: Removal of part of the larynx for small tumors, aiming to preserve function.
Total laryngectomy: Complete removal of the larynx, required for advanced tumors. Patients live with a permanent tracheostomy.
Neck dissection: Removal of neck lymph nodes in cases with metastasis.

Modern surgical techniques optimize both oncologic control and functional outcomes. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen plans surgeries to maximize quality of life.

Radiotherapy in Laryngeal Cancer

Radiotherapy is used as an alternative to surgery in early stages and as adjuvant therapy post-surgery:

As a surgical alternative in early-stage tumors.
To eliminate residual disease after surgery.
Palliative treatment to improve quality of life in advanced cases.

Techniques like IMRT deliver high-dose radiation to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen collaborates with oncology teams to tailor radiotherapy plans.

Chemotherapy in Laryngeal Cancer

Chemotherapy is often given concurrently with radiotherapy (chemoradiation) to enhance efficacy, especially in advanced cases:

For inoperable advanced tumors.
With radiotherapy to shrink the tumor.
As adjuvant therapy post-surgery in high-risk patients.

Regimens are chosen based on patient condition and tumor biology. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen works closely with oncology specialists to personalize chemotherapy.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

Regular follow-up after treatment is crucial for detecting recurrence early and ensuring timely intervention:

Every 2–3 months in the first 2 years with clinical exam and endoscopy.
Every 6 months during years 3–5.
Annually after 5 years.

Follow-ups include thorough examination of the larynx, neck, and screening for distant spread. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen maintains disciplined follow-up to safeguard long-term health.

Can Early-Stage Laryngeal Cancer Be Completely Cured?

Yes, especially glottic tumors diagnosed early have a very high chance of cure with surgery or radiotherapy.

Is Speech Possible After Total Laryngectomy?

Yes, speech rehabilitation is possible using voice prostheses, esophageal speech, or electronic larynx devices.

Does Continuing to Smoke Affect Disease Course?

Yes, smoking reduces treatment success, delays healing, and increases recurrence risk. Complete cessation is mandatory during and after treatment.

Is Laryngeal Cancer Contagious?

No, laryngeal cancer is not contagious. However, viruses like HPV can be transmitted and contribute to cancer development.

Are Smell and Taste Affected After Treatment?

Temporary or permanent changes in smell and taste may occur after surgery and radiotherapy; effects vary by individual.

Laryngeal cancer can be highly successfully treated when diagnosed early and managed with modern approaches. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining throat health, and consulting a specialist promptly for suspicious symptoms are critical in combating laryngeal cancer.

ENT specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, serving in his Istanbul clinic, offers patients the chance of a healthy life through scientific expertise, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient-focused care in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal cancer.

If you experience hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck swelling, or would like more information about laryngeal cancer, please contact Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen to develop an early diagnosis and effective treatment plan.