Therapy
Different stages are distinguished here, depending on size, location and spread into the surrounding tissue. Depending on the stage, different therapeutic methods are used. Basically there are three possible therapeutic approaches: In contrast to chemotherapy, radiotherapy has a somewhat more localized effect due to its targeted application in the affected area.
Radiation therapy – both for cancer of the larynx and for other types of cancer – is often used in combination with chemotherapy. In many cases, a combination of both treatment options leads to an even more efficient fight against the cancer cells. More rarely, radiation therapy alone is used for cancer of the larynx and vocal folds.
The use of radiotherapy is usually considered for advanced tumors. For example, it can also be used after an operation if the entire tumor could not be removed. Radiation therapy is generally better tolerated than chemotherapy, but there are also side effects, both those that occur quickly after treatment (e.g.
reddening of the skin, feeling worn out, inflammation of the mucous membranes) and those that occur weeks or months after treatment (e.g. discoloration of the skin, dry mouth or damage to the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis)). Overall, however, radiotherapy, which can usually be carried out on an outpatient basis, is nowadays considered to be relatively well tolerated.
- Chemotherapy, i.e. treatment with cytotoxic drugs designed to inhibit the growth of tumor cells
- The operation that aims to remove the tumor as completely as possible and
- Radiotherapy (radiotherapy), which is also intended to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
Prognosis
Why does stem cell cancer have a good prognosis? Cure rates are surprisingly high, with a 5-year survival rate of 90%, meaning that after five years, 90% of those affected by vocal fold cancer are still alive.
- Early symptomsThe vocal fold carcinoma manifests itself quite early in the form of hoarseness and voice weakness.
Before the cancer spreads to other structures (infiltrative growth), it can therefore be diagnosed.
- Tumor scatter (metastasis) rare and late Although vocal fold cancer is one of the “malignant” cancers and can theoretically spread daughter tumors (metastases) in different parts of the body, this happens rather late and rarely.
- Good therapy options and healing resultsWith modern surgical instruments, good access to the larynx and vocal folds is possible today. In most cases the tumor is removed with a laser (endolaryngeal laser surgery). Radiation therapy is also indicated in some cases and means maintaining good voice quality. However, if the tumor is discovered late, larger parts of the larynx must be removed (partial resection of the larynx).
