Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

The symptoms of laryngeal cancer can be similar to symptoms that arise in other conditions. For example, a common early sign is a hoarse voice, a symptom that is also seen in laryngitis.

Some of the symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:

  • Hoarseness of voice is one of the most common symptoms and should be checked if it persists for more than three weeks.
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Sore throat and sensation of something stuck in the throat
  • Persistent cough
  • A lump in the neck
  • Foul smelling breath
  • Persistent earache
  • Shortness of breath and noisy breathing (stridor) caused by partial obstruction of the airway.
  • Symptoms that are common to many cancers such as unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is based on a detailed medical history, clinical examination, imaging studies and tissue biopsy. Details of the patient’s smoking and drinking habits are also obtained. The doctor examines the throat and ears as well as feeling the lymph nodes in the neck and under the arms. A patient may then be referred to hospital for further tests or to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Some examples of further tests a patient may need to undergo include:

Nasoendoscopy

Nasoendoscopy involves a small, flexible tube with a light and camera at the tip (an endoscope) being passed down the back of the throat via the nostril to record and display images of the inside of the larynx.

Laryngoscopy

For this procedure, the endoscope is passed into the larynx via the mouth to obtain images. This procedure is performed while the patient is under general anesthetic because it is more uncomfortable than nasoendoscopy.

Biopsy

If cancer is suspected on endoscopy, a tissue biopsy may be taken and sent for analysis. This procedure can be performed during a nasoendoscopy or laryngoscopy using a small surgical instrument that is passed into the larynx. The tissue is examined to check for the presence of cancer cells and to determine the type and grade of any cancer that is present. If the lesion is small and confined to the larynx, it may be possible to surgically remove the cancerous tissue.

Further tests

If cancer is detected, imaging studies may be performed to check whether the cancer has spread. Examples of these tests include X-ray, computed tomogrpahy (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan and ultrasound scan.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, June 10). Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Laryngeal-Cancer-Symptoms-Diagnosis.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Laryngeal-Cancer-Symptoms-Diagnosis.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Laryngeal-Cancer-Symptoms-Diagnosis.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Laryngeal-Cancer-Symptoms-Diagnosis.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.