Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
ocal Cord Cancer: When the Voice Becomes Hoarse, Be Alert to This Early Sign
Case Study
“Mr. Jia, 56 years old, experienced breathing difficulties and hoarseness for two years, with symptoms worsening recently. Upon seeking medical help, a laryngoscopy revealed a cauliflower-like growth on his left vocal cord. A PET-CT scan showed abnormally high metabolic activity, leading to a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord. This case highlights the importance of timely medical evaluation for persistent hoarseness to rule out malignancy.”
What is Vocal Cord Cancer?
Vocal cord cancer is a malignant tumor affecting the vocal cords—key structures for sound production. It accounts for over 60% of laryngeal cancers. The majority (96%–98%) are squamous cell carcinomas. Early-stage tumors are often localized but highly invasive, potentially destroying laryngeal cartilage or spreading to neck lymph nodes.
Common Symptoms and Risks
- Hoarseness:The most typical early symptom. Seek evaluation if it persists beyond two weeks.
- Throat discomfort:Sensation of a foreign object, pain, coughing, or difficulty swallowing. Late stages may involve blood in sputum or coughing up blood.
- Breathing difficulties:Tumor obstruction of the airway can become life-threatening.
- Spread risk:Early tumors are localized, but advanced stages may invade surrounding tissues, damage laryngeal function, spread to neck lymph nodes, or metastasize to distant organs (e.g., lungs, liver), complicating treatment.
Causes of Vocal Cord Cancer
- Smoking and alcohol:Smokers face a 10-fold higher risk. Combined with alcohol, the risk escalates.
- HPV infection:Some cases are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Environmental factors:Long-term exposure to industrial dust, air pollution, or occupational carcinogens.
- Demographics:Most common in males aged 50–70.
Diagnostic Methods
- Laryngoscopy:Fiber-optic laryngoscopy detects mucosal abnormalities. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) enhances early detection.
- CT/MRI:Assesses tumor extent and cartilage involvement.
- PET-CT:Detects distant metastasis and aids staging.
- Biopsy:Confirms cancer type via tissue analysis.
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Laser minimally invasive surgery:For early-stage tumors. Preserves function but may affect voice.
- Partial laryngectomy:Preserves partial laryngeal function for localized tumors.
- Total laryngectomy:Required for advanced/recurrent cases. Requires a tracheostomy.
Radiation Therapy
- Advantages:Preserves vocal function; suitable for elderly or comorbid patients.
- Drawbacks:May cause throat pain, swallowing difficulties.
Combined Therapies
- Radiation + Chemotherapy:Shrinks tumors pre-surgery in advanced cases.
- Targeted + Immunotherapy:Emerging treatments targeting genetic mutations or boosting immune response.
Early detection and treatment are critical. If you experience prolonged hoarseness, seek immediate medical attention. High-risk individuals should undergo regular screenings. For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for expert consultation.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Hypopharyngeal Cancer: The Silent Throat Killer – Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs of Swallowing
Case Study
“Mr. Kang, a 58-year-old with a long-term smoking and alcohol consumption history, recently experienced persistent sore throat, dysphagia, and hoarseness. After examination via endoscopy, he was diagnosed with Stage III Hypopharyngeal Cancer (mid-to-late stage). Mr. Kang underwent tumor resection surgery followed by radiotherapy and is currently under observation, requiring regular check-ups to monitor recurrence.”
What is Hypopharyngeal Cancer?
Hypopharyngeal cancer originates in the hypopharynx (the area connecting the throat to the esophagus) and is a type of head and neck cancer. Due to its隐蔽位置 (hidden location), early detection is challenging. Approximately 70% of patients, like Mr. Kang, are diagnosed only after the cancer has metastasized to cervical lymph nodes or distant organs (e.g., lungs, bones, liver). Consequently, treatment outcomes are often poor.
Common Symptoms and Complications
Early symptoms are subtle, but the following signs warrant vigilance:
- Typical symptoms: Sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, neck mass, ear pain (referred pain).
- Long-term complications: Tumors may obstruct the airway or esophagus, leading to malnutrition or breathing difficulties. Metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs significantly complicates treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Primary risk factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing (a major trigger in regions where betel nut use is prevalent).
- Other factors: Chronic irritation from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diets lacking fresh fruits/vegetables, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Genetics and environment: Family history or prolonged exposure to asbestos/chemical dust increases risk.
Diagnosis and Tests
- Endoscopy: Flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy to visualize lesions.
- Imaging: CT/MRI scans to assess tumor extent and metastasis.
- Biopsy: Tissue sampling to confirm cancer type.
- Systemic evaluation: PET-CT scans to detect distant metastasis.
Treatment Options
- Early-stage (I/II): Radiotherapy ± localized surgery.
- Advanced-stage (III/IV): Multidisciplinary approach (e.g., tumor resection with lymph node dissection, followed by adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy).
- Targeted & immunotherapy: Anti-EGFR agents (e.g., Cetuximab) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab) for late-stage cases.
- Supportive care: Nasogastric tube placement, speech therapy to improve quality of life during recovery.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking/alcohol and early detection are crucial in combating hypopharyngeal cancer. Individuals with smoking/drinking habits experiencing persistent throat discomfort should seek prompt medical evaluation. For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for specialized care.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
4 Things To Do Immediately When You Lose Your Voice
Loss of voice or a hoarseness in the voice isn’t life threatening but when it gets in the way of communicating with your family or friends, it can be very inconvenient. Perhaps you’d stayed longer than usual at a karaoke place or you may have gotten too excited at the winner of the World Cup Series.
Laryngitis happens for a number of reasons. It can be caused by an infection, a strained vocal cord, or a combination of the two. Regardless of the reason, here list 4 things to do when you lose your voice to help you get your voice back.
1．Zip it, Thanos.
The very first thing you want to do after losing your voice is refraining from talking. Your larynx has muscle components and gets worked out very similar to how you train your muscles in the gym. Making sure it gets ample rest gives it time to heal itself.
Laryngitis resolves itself in a week and usually does not need hospitalization or medications. Keeping quiet is all you need to do.
2．Avoid coffee.
Hot beverages are supposed to help someone with a sore throat right? The answer to that is yes, and the reason why coffee isn’t helpful despite being a hot beverage is that it does more harm than good.
Caffeine is a diuretic – it will make you have frequent visits to the bathroom and the only way to get back what you’ve lost is drinking lots of water. That’s why vocal coaches stress on the importance of keeping hydrated. It’s the same method in the fitness industry where hydration is very important to muscle recovery. Your ability to speak is possible because of these muscles.
3．Sleep.
More often than not, laryngitis is an aftermath of a very tiring cheering squad practice or an intense singing lesson. Sleeping will help direct your body’s efforts in repairing the damaged parts.
It’s also easier for the heart to pump blood when you’re horizontal, and blood rich with nutrients and oxygenated red blood cells will help repair your voice box.
4．Use a humidifier.
These devices work by delivering moist air into the surrounding area. They’re not only useful for people afflicted with allergies, but they’re also good for people who have lost their voice. If drinking water is painful, then delivering moisture by breathing it in is an alternative.
If your humidifier has an option to use a cool or warm mist, choose the cool one if you’re experiencing severe inflammation. If the laryngitis is caused by an infection, it’s more ideal to use the warm mist setting. The additional warmth will kill most bacteria as they don’t survive above normal body temperatures.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
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另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。
另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。