Get to Know Laryngeal Cancer More Closely and its Impact on Life

Sahabat Hermina, laryngeal (vocal cord) cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the larynx or vocal cords, which can damage the normal tissue around it. The larynx plays an important role in the breathing process, sound production, and preventing food or drink from entering the respiratory tract. This cancer is generally characterized by symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty or pain when swallowing, shortness of breath, cough & lump in the neck, and weight loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of laryngeal cancer is not yet known, but several risk factors that can increase the possibility of this cancer include:

• Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking habits and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors.
• Age and gender: Laryngeal cancer is more common in men and generally affects those over 40 years of age.
• Exposure to hazardous substances: Long-term exposure to substances such as asbestos and sulfuric acid may increase the risk.
• Family history: Having a family member with a history of laryngeal cancer may increase a person's risk.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: HPV infection has been associated with an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.

Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer can vary, but some common signs include:

• Hoarseness or voice changes that don't get better.
• Persistent sore throat.
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
• Chronic cough, sometimes with blood.
• The appearance of a lump or swelling in the neck.
• Hard to breathe.
• Weight loss.

If these symptoms last more than two weeks or get worse, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

Impact on Life

Laryngeal cancer can have a significant impact on the sufferer's quality of life, including:

• Communication disorders: Damage to the vocal cords can cause voice changes or even loss of voice, affecting the ability to communicate.
• Respiratory problems: Enlarging tumors can block the airways, causing difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty swallowing: Pain or difficulty swallowing can result in decreased nutritional intake and weight gain.
• Psychological impact: Physical changes and bodily functions can affect mental health, causing stress, depression, or anxiety.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for laryngeal cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health condition. Treatment options include:

• Radiotherapy: Using radiation to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Chemotherapy: Giving drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Surgery: Surgical procedure to remove a tumor or part of the larynx affected by cancer.

Prevention can be done by avoiding risk factors, such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding exposure to dangerous substances. Apart from that, maintaining a healthy diet and regular health check-ups can help reduce the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

So, laryngeal cancer is a serious disease that can have a big impact on a person's health and quality of life. Recognizing symptoms early and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help in prevention and more effective treatment. If you or someone close to you experiences suspicious symptoms, immediately consult medical personnel to get appropriate treatment. Stay healthy.

Reference

• Qi, H. et al. (2021). Epidemiological Analysis of 1234 Cases of Laryngeal Cancer in Shanxi Province, China. Cancer Control: Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center, 28, pp. 1–10.
• National Health Service. Diakses pada 2025. Health A to Z. Laryngeal (Larynx) Cancer.
• Cleveland Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Laryngeal Cancer.
• Healthline. Accessed in 2025. 12 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants.
• Medical News Today. Diakses pada 2025. What to Know about Laryngeal Cancer.
• Patient Info. Accessed in 2025. Throat Cancer – Laryngeal Cancer.