The voice box tumours or laryngeal cancer is the cancer of the voice box located in the throat. Voice Box, also called larynx is located just above the point where the throat divides into two, trachea..
The voice box tumours or laryngeal cancer is the cancer of the voice box located in the throat. Voice Box, also called larynx is located just above the point where the throat divides into two, trachea (windpipe), Esophagus (food pipe). The Larynx has two vocal cords which are the muscle bands. The front cartilage or muscle band is called the Adam’s apple. It can be felt by our hands in the throat as a lump. The Larynx has three main parts, supraglottis – area above vocal cords, glottis – area containing vocal cords, subglottis – area just below the vocal cords. Voice box cancers are squamous, and they start in the thin flat cell lining of the larynx. The major reason of voice box tumour is smoking. Along with heavy alcohol consumption, smoking causes a great increase in the risk of voice box cancer.
One of the first signs of laryngeal cancer is a sudden change in voice, which is persistent for more than three weeks, or sometimes even more. Any such changes or symptoms should not be left ignored, and medical advice should be taken. The symptoms of cancer depend on the origin of the larynx cancer. However, the common symptoms include:
- Change of voice, such as hoarseness.
- Lump formation or swelling in the throat.
- Difficulty while chewing or swallowing.
- Continuous pain in the ears.
- Breathlessness.
The exact cause of voice box tumors is not clearly known, but certain factors can enhance the chances. Males above 40 years of age are at greater risk of being affected than females. Factors that cause or increase the risk are:
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Diet.
- Family history.
- Acid reflux.
The main risk factors are:
- Human papilloma virus(HPV) infection.
- Low immunity.
- Poor metabolism.
To prevent the occurrence of this disease, one should take care of the following things:
- Cut down on alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
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Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned i..... Continue Reading
