Information on Cancer of the Throat or Larynx from the National Library of Medicine (NIH)
Cancer of the throat is cancer of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat. People who smoke or otherwise use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for the development of throat cancers. Most cancers of the throat develop in adults older than 50. Men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers. Read more at the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Information on Laryngeal Cancer from the MD Anderson Cancer Center
Cancer of the larynx is diagnosed in about 12,250 Americans each year, and kills more than 3,670, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, these numbers are declining as fewer people choose to smoke. Read more at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Information on Laryngeal Cancer from the American Cancer Society
The larynx, often called the "voice box," is one of the organs responsible for speech. It contains the vocal cords. It is located in the neck, at the opening of the trachea (windpipe). There, it helps protect the trachea from food and fluids. From the outside, the larynx can be seen on the front of your neck as the "Adam's apple." Cancers that start in the larynx are called laryngeal cancers. Read more at the American Cancer Society.
Fact Sheet: Larynx Cancer Statistics
It is estimated that 12,290 men and women (9,920 men and 2,370 women) will be diagnosed with and 3,660 men and women will die of cancer of the larynx in 2009. Read the fact sheet, available from the National Cancer Institute.
Podcast: Larynx Cancer
Larynx cancer with Dr. Chris Holsinger, a podcast provided by the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Podcast: Larynx Cancer
Dr. Chris Holsinger and his larynx cancer patient, Russell. Listen to the podcast, provided by the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Podcast: Larynx Cancer Survivor
Russell Godwin, larynx cancer survivor. Listen to this patient describe his experience in this podcast, provided by the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Video: Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Cancer
Small cancers of the vocal cords can often be cured with radiotherapy. See what happens during radiotherapy treatment in this video, provided by the National Health Service, England.
Video: Laryngeal Cancer Survivor
Steve Wiemeyer tells his story of surviving laryngeal cancer with the help of the caregivers of Methodist Eastbrook Cancer Center. Watch the video, provided by the Methodist Health System.
American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline for the use of larynx-preservation strategies in the treatment of laryngeal cancer
Summary of recommended strategies for treatment of the primary site for larynx preservation. See National Guideline Clearinghouse major recommendations.
Diagnosis and management of head and neck cancer. A national clinical guideline.
Patients with early glottic cancer may be treated either by external beam radiotherapy or conservation surgery. Patients with locally advanced resectable laryngeal cancer should be treated by: total laryngectomy with or without postoperative radiotherapy; an initial organ preservation strategy reserving surgery for salvage. See National Guideline Clearinghouse major recommendations.
The role of postoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is recommended as an effective treatment approach to improve control and survival outcomes for those patients at a high risk of recurrence who are willing and deemed able to tolerate the addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy. See National Guideline Clearinghouse major recommendations.
Abstract: Current trends in initial management of laryngeal cancer: the declining use of open surgery
The role of open surgery for management of laryngeal cancer has been greatly diminished during the past decade. The development of transoral endoscopic laser microsurgery (TLS), improvements in delivery of radiation therapy (RT) and the advent of multimodality protocols, particularly concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) have supplanted the previously standard techniques of open partial laryngectomy for early cancer and total laryngectomy followed by adjuvant RT for advanced cancer. Abstract available through Pubmed.
Abstract: Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Organ Preservation in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer
Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin plus fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy is the standard alternative to total laryngectomy for patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer. The value of adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy and the optimal timing of chemotherapy are unknown. In patients with laryngeal cancer, radiotherapy with concurrent administration of cisplatin is superior to induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone for laryngeal preservation and locoregional control. Abstract available through the New England Journal of Medicine.
Human Papillomaviruses in Head and Neck Carcinomas
The similarity of the morphologic features of genital and oral HPV-associated lesions was one of the early findings that raised the possibility that HPV might be involved in oral and laryngeal squamous-cell carcinomas. New data from case–control studies suggest that HPV is an independent risk factor for oral and oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinomas. Full text available free through the New England Journal of Medicine.
Alcohol drinking in never users of tobacco, cigarette smoking in never drinkers, and the risk of head and neck cancer: pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium
At least 75% of head and neck cancers are attributable to a combination of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. A precise understanding of the independent association of each of these factors in the absence of the other with the risk of head and neck cancer is needed to elucidate mechanisms of head and neck carcinogenesis and to assess the efficacy of interventions aimed at controlling either risk factor. Full text available free through Pubmed.
Abstract: Randomized trial of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with or without docetaxel for larynx preservation
Chemotherapy with cisplatin (P) and 5-fluorouracil (F) followed by radiotherapy in patients who respond to chemotherapy is an alternative to total laryngectomy for patients with locally advanced larynx and hypopharynx cancer. Data suggest that docetaxel (T) may add to the efficacy of PF. The objective of this trial was to determine whether adding T to PF could increase the larynx preservation rate. Abstract available through Pubmed.
Life after total laryngectomy: a measure of long-term survival, function, and quality of life
OBJECTIVES: To analyze postoperative clinical, functional, and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes in patients after total laryngectomy (TL) and to determine the effect of preoperative variables (including age, sex, comorbidities, prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and tumor site and stage) on long-term survival and quality of life. Full text available free through Pubmed.
Abstract: A phase 2 trial of surgery with perioperative INGN 201 (Ad5CMV-p53) gene therapy followed by chemoradiotherapy for advanced, resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx: report of the Southwest Oncol
OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of treating patients with high-risk stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx with perioperative adenovirus-p53 (INGN 201) gene therapy along with surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Abstract available through Pubmed.
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The Larynx and Nearby Structures
Source: The National Cancer Institute
Information on free electrolarynx programs
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