THANRADA LIAMSENG, M.D.
Otolaryngologist
Dr. Thanyarada Liamseng
Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist)
Laryngeal Cancer (Laryngeal Cancer) is a malignancy that occurs in the lining of the larynx. While the exact cause is unknown, smoking is a major risk factor because cigarette smoke contains carcinogens.
Laryngeal cancer can also be caused by other factors:
By the time patients realize something is wrong, they may experience hoarseness. Some may have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, choking, blood-tinged sputum, referred pain to the ear, or a chronic cough. In some cases, a lump may appear in the neck due to lymph node enlargement, often accompanied by breathing difficulties.
Treatment for laryngeal cancer follows protocols ranging from surgery to radiation or chemotherapy. The choice of method depends on the stage. If it's in the early stages, doctors may use radiation therapy, allowing the patient to keep their larynx and return to speaking normally. Surgery combined with chemotherapy may be used for advanced stages; sometimes, all three treatments are used together.
The doctor presents a case study of a patient who underwent surgery for laryngeal cancer. Initially, the patient had unusually persistent hoarseness. Upon examination, a lump was found on one side of the vocal cords, which was in the early stage. However, during the actual surgery, it was found that the lump had spread slightly. After surgically removing only the tumor, the doctor monitored the case for recurrence. If the condition remained concerning, follow-up radiation therapy was administered.
Some cases have already begun spreading outward, often due to long-term hoarseness that was ignored until a coronary artery blockage occurred. In such cases, the doctor must perform a tracheostomy instead of immediate surgery before referring for chemotherapy and radiation. Studies show laryngeal cancer is more common in men aged 50-60 than in women.
If diagnosed at an early stage, we can still preserve the larynx by removing only the tumor. Whether using laser radiation or partial surgery, the patient can return to speaking normally, although some hoarseness may remain.
In advanced stages (3-4), the doctor may need to remove the entire larynx and leave a breathing hole (stoma) at the front of the neck. Initially after surgery, the patient may feel pain when trying to speak. Communication via writing is required first. Once the wound heals, the patient will be able to speak but without a voice. Therefore, the doctor will provide speech training and close supervision after a total laryngectomy.
The Internal Medicine Department at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital has installed diagnostic cameras that provide clear visualization, along with high-efficiency medical laser technology for radiation and tumor removal. Patients can feel confident in their chances of recovery to near-normal levels. With the upcoming opening of our radiation center, pathologists are also ready to confirm biopsy samples within 30 minutes, allowing doctors to interpret results without waiting for hours.
There is no absolute prevention, but risk can be reduced by avoiding carcinogens like smoking, alcohol, and irritants. If you have acid reflux, you should treat it promptly to minimize the risk of developing laryngeal cancer as much as possible.
Otolaryngologist