Laryngectomy Surgery in India
What is a Laryngectomy?
The surgical procedure involves the removal of the voice box (larynx) and the separation of the airway from the esophagus, nose, and mouth. This may entail the removal of a part or the entire larynx. Given its pivotal role in swallowing, speaking, and breathing, the location of the larynx is significant.
The larynx is positioned in front of the esophagus (food pipe) and above the trachea (windpipe). Comprising two small bands of muscle known as vocal cords, it plays a vital role in preventing food from entering the lungs and vibrates to produce voice. Laryngectomy is carried out to remove cancerous or tumor tissues from this area.
Throat Cancer Symptoms
The location and size of tumors are crucial factors in determining the symptoms :
Laryngectomy Procedure
The surgical procedure is conducted under either general or local anesthesia. In total laryngectomy, the surgeon makes incisions in the neck to access the area. The crucial aspects of the surgery include:
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Laryngectomy
Less invasive surgeries are suitable for certain individuals and are contingent on the type and extent of cancer. Some of these procedures include vertical partial laryngectomy, supracricoid partial laryngectomy, supraglottic or horizontal partial laryngectomy, and endoscopic surgery.
Partial Laryngectomy
Removing only a part of the larynx instead of the entire organ is a rare occurrence. This procedure leaves a portion of the voice box intact, allowing for the ability to speak. However, it may lead to a hoarse and weak voice. A temporary tracheotomy may also be implemented to facilitate breathing.
Treatments for Laryngeal Cancer
Radiotherapy : This approach is the most prevalent treatment, particularly effective for early-stage cancers. The therapy works by reducing the size of a sizable laryngeal tumor, facilitating its easier removal.
Chemotherapy : Concurrently, both radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be administered for cancer treatment. In cases of laryngeal cancer recurrence post-radiotherapy, chemotherapy becomes a viable option. Additionally, chemotherapy, known as induction therapy, can be employed to address advanced stages of cancer beforehand.
Biological Therapy : Biological therapy, composed of natural body substances, provides an option for patients, commonly referred to as cetuximab. This form of treatment allows for the inclusion of radiotherapy in addressing locally advanced squamous cell laryngeal cancer.
What is Throat Cancer?
Throat cancer originates in the throat (pharynx), a five-inch-long tube connecting the nose to the neck. The two primary sites for the formation of throat cancer are the pharynx and larynx. Head and neck cancer, a subtype of throat cancer, encompasses the salivary glands, nose, neck lymph nodes, mouth, tonsils, and sinuses. Throat cancer is classified into two types :
Throat cancer most commonly appears in the forms of pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer.
Throat Polyps
Throat polyps refer to the abnormal growth of tissue in the throat, which may potentially become cancerous, prompting the need for a biopsy. Symptoms of throat polyps include a sensation of having something in the back of the throat or discomfort while swallowing.
Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers typically originate in the squamous cells lining the moist and mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, commonly known as Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck. While rare, cancers can also initiate in the salivary glands. The salivary glands, composed of numerous cells, may undergo cancerous transformations, giving rise to various types of salivary gland cancer.