Page 3 - Laryngectomy
P. 3
Stoma (hole in the neck)
How can we identify cancer in the larynx
early?
Ÿ Abnormal lump in the throat or neck
Ÿ Constant cough
Ÿ Sore throat
Ÿ Changes in voice, such as hoarseness
Ÿ Pain while swallowing
Ÿ Choking on food
Ÿ Loss of weight
Causes of laryngeal cancer
Ÿ Regular usage of following can increase the risk of
cancer by more than 50%.
Ÿ Active and passive smoking
Ÿ Use of tobacco
Ÿ Consumption of alcohol.
Ÿ Exposure to certain chemicals in the
workplace, such as paint fumes and some
chemicals in metalworking.
Hence cancer can be prevented to a large extent by avoiding
these and choosing healthy lifestyle.
Specialist involved in treatment
Ÿ ENT doctor: The identication of cancer and its
treatment is done by ENT doctor. After the
medical/surgical treatment is completed patient is
referred to speech language pathologist.
Ÿ Speech Language Pathologist (SLP): Provides
voice/ speech therapy to use alternate ways of
speaking called as alaryngeal speech through:
