In scope of the approaching May 31st “World No Tobacco Day” Anadolu Medical Centre Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Nesil Keleş points out that although considered to be relatively milder in its progress for the potential of early diagnosis the major risk factor of laryngeal cancer is smoking. Prof. Keleş says the substances contained in tobacco smoke tar cause cancerous changes resulting in the development of this illness. 

According to Anadolu Medical Centre Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Keleş the risk of laryngeal cancer decreases after quitting smoking however overall, males are almost 10 times more prone to developing the illness compared to women. Prof. Dr. Keleş also points out to a rise in laryngeal cancer cases in Europe and USA due to an increase of smokers amongst females.

“A combination of alcohol consumption and smoking increases the chances of developing laryngeal cancer.”

Prof. Dr. Nesil Keleş points out to an increased risk of developing laryngeal cancer for smokers who also are chronic heavy drinkers. Prof. Keleş said: “We still don’t know for certain whether sole consumption of alcohol is a risk factor in this illness. However, other risk factors include leukoplakia (that is the adherent white patches in the oral cavity and tongue), acute and chronic laryngeal infections, virus related infections, incorrect use of vocal cords and other influences that effect and irritate the larynx.”

“There is a higher chance of early diagnosis in laryngeal cancer.”

Prof. Keleş said: “Compared to other forms, laryngeal cancer is considered to be relatively milder in its progress. One of the most important reasons being is the better chance of early diagnosis in this form of cancer. Early symptoms differ according to the tumour’s location within the larynx. For instance tumours developing in the vocal cord area cause hoarseness and other voice changes whilst tumours in the upper part of the larynx can cause pain during the function of swallowing.”

Watch out for hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, shortness of breath, earache and lumps in the neck!

Although appearing in different segments Prof. Dr. Keleş says that there are several symptoms that help determine laryngeal cancer at an early stage and adds: “Some of the main symptoms that help diagnose laryngeal cancer at an early stage include hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, shortness of breath, earache and lumps in the neck and persistent coughing. Some patients are known to describe difficulty in swallowing in the form of shortness of breath, a sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in the throat as well as the persistent need to clear the throat.”

Prof. Dr. Keleş went on to say: “Treating laryngeal cancer heavily depends on the location of the tumour, its grade and patient’s condition. Determining cancer at an early stage means that the patient can continue his/her life with minor treatment that only slightly affects vocal tone without any alteration to respiratory functions. This treatment method involves excising about half of the larynx with surgical intervention. The excised part depends on the tumour location. Hence, treatment plan is shaped entirely by the location of the laryngeal tumour.”