Laryngeal Cancer

- Laryngeal cancer may also be called cancer of the

larynx or laryngeal carcinoma. Most laryngeal cancers are squamous
cell carcinomas, reflecting their origin from the squamous
cells which form the majority of the laryngeal epithelium. Cancer can
develop in any part of the larynx, but the cure rate is affected by the
location of the tumor.

- the larynx is divided into three anatomical regions: the glottis (true
vocal cords, anterior and posterior commissures);
the supraglottis(epiglottis, arytenoids and aryepiglottic folds,
and false cords); and the subglottis.

- Most laryngeal cancers originate in the glottis. Supraglottic cancers

are less common, and subglottictumours are least frequent.

Causes

1. Smoking
2. Drinking Alcohol
3. Drug Abuse/Addiction, such as cocaine & methamphetamine

Symptoms

 Hoarseness or other voice changes

 A lump in the neck
 A sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in the throat
 Persistent cough
 Stridor
 Bad breath
 Earache

Assessment & Diagnostic Methods

 Assess for hoarseness, sore throat, dyspnea, dysphagia or

pain and burning in the throat.
 Palpate the neck for swelling.
 Assess patients ability to hear, see, read, & write evaluation by
speech therapist if indicated.

 Indirect Laryngoscopy
  Direct laryngoscopic examination under general anesthesia
 Biopsy of suspicious tissue
 Other test:
- (CT) Scan
- MRI
- PET

Medical Management

• Complete dental examination to rule out oral disease. Dental problem

should be resolve before scheduling surgery if possible.
• Radiation therapy provides excellent results in early stage glottic
tumors, when one cord is affected.
• Endoscopic and C02 laser surgery for smaller tumors.
• Partial laryngectomy is recommended in early stages of glottic
cancer with only one vocal cord involved; high cure rate.
• Total laryngectomy with permanent tracheal stoma is performed for
cancer that extends beyond the vocal cords or for recurrent or
persistent cancer; radical neck dissection is recommended; loss of
voice but normal swallowing.
• Speech therapy when indicated: esophageal speech, electro larynx
or tracheoesophageal puncture.

Nursing Diagnosis

• Deficient knowledge about the surgical procedure and post operative

course.
• Anxiety & Depression R/T the diagnosis of cancer & impending
surgery
• Impaired verbal communication R/T removal of the larynx
• Imbalance nutrition; less than body requirements R/T inability to
ingest food & swallowing difficulties.
• Disturbed body image, self concept, & self esteem R/T major neck
surgery
• Self-care deficit R/T post operative care.

Reported By: Neil S. Claudio ♠♣♥♦

Add me up!
Vernix_caseosa@rocketmail.com
neilclaudio@in.com
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