Main treatments for laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer is often treatable.
The treatment you have will depend on:
- the size and type of laryngeal cancer you have
- where it is
- if it has spread
- your general health
It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted medicines and immunotherapy.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
- help you manage any side effects, including changes to your diet
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Surgery
Surgery is the often the main treatment for laryngeal cancer, especially if the cancer is found early.
There are several types of surgery used to treat laryngeal cancer, depending on how far it has spread.
Surgery might include removing all or part of your voice box or using a laser to remove the cancer.
You may need to have some lymph nodes removed, these are small glands which are part of the body's immune system.
If you have part or all of your larynx removed recovery can take a long time. You may need a hole in your neck called a stoma, which you will breathe through.
You'll be supported through surgery and recovery by your specialist treatment team. You'll have support to help you speak or communicate after surgery.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.
You may have chemotherapy for laryngeal cancer:
- with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) as the main treatment for your laryngeal cancer
- before surgery to help make the cancer smaller
- after surgery (usually with radiotherapy) to help stop the cancer coming back
- if you are unable to have surgery
- if the cancer is advanced, has come back or has spread to other parts of your body
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.
You may have radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer:
- to treat early cancer, usually with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)
- to help control and improve the symptoms of advanced cancer
Targeted medicines and immunotherapy
Targeted medicines and immunotherapy aim to stop the cancer growing and help your immune system attack the cancer.
You might have treatment with targeted medicines or immunotherapy:
- if the cancer has spread to another part of the body
- if the cancer cannot be cured
- to lower the risk of the cancer coming back after surgery
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What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured
If you've been diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer, it may be hard to treat and not possible to cure.
The aim of treatment will be to slow down the growth and spread of the cancer, to help with the symptoms, and help you live longer.
Finding out cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in.
You'll be referred to a team of doctors and nurses called a symptom control team or palliative care team.
They will help you to manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
The palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any other support you need.