Oncopathology of the larynx is presented in the form of such diseases:
- squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx;
- adenocarcinoma;
- sarcoma.
The overwhelming number of malignant tumor processes in the throat is due to the development of squamous cell carcinoma. However, clarification of the nature of atypical cells, from which tissue they are formed, is an important condition for choosing the correct treatment.
Laryngeal cancer classification
Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is the most common cancer that affects the epithelial layer of the organ. The malignant process affects the squamous epithelium at different stages of its development, causing cell mutation, which is manifested by various histological forms of the disease. According to the degree of keratinization of the epithelial layer, squamous cell keratinizing cancer of the larynx and non-keratinizing cancer are distinguished.
Such a division is determined only by the results of a biopsy, which is carried out by a specialist. It is possible to select an area of the affected tissue area with laryngoscopy or directly during surgery. The procedure consists in extracting a dubious area and further examining it under a microscope.
For the reliability of diagnosis, the most favorable place for sampling is the borderline area between the pathologically altered and normal epithelium. Research is necessary to clarify the malignant formation and its histological form.
The choice of treatment tactics and predictions depend on the results of the biopsy.
The non-keratinizing form of squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by rapid growth, spread to nearby tissues, early development of metastases, that is, a more malignant course. The keratinized epithelium, which characterizes another type of squamous cell carcinoma, indicates a more favorable course of the disease.
Process stages
Of great importance for the prognosis of life is the stage of the disease at which its treatment is started. Clarification of the diagnosis in the early stages of the disease contributes to more optimistic prognosis. The effectiveness of the treatment in this case will be much higher.
Throat cancer goes through four stages in its development, characterized by clinical differences. There is an international classification of the disease according to the TNM system, where T characterizes the size and boundaries of tumor growth, N - spread of metastases to regional lymph nodes, M - involvement of the whole organism in the process and the presence of metastatic lesions of distant organs.
The first stage is characterized by the presence of an insignificant lesion, localized in a strictly limited area.
At the same time, the surrounding tissues are not changed. Regional lymph nodes are not enlarged. Symptoms of the disease at this stage are absolutely scanty, masked by inflammatory diseases of the throat. The patient may complain of discomfort in the throat, sensation of a foreign body when swallowing, choking. According to the TNM system, the first stage corresponds to T1N0M0.
With a regular physical examination at this stage, cancer of the pharynx is most often detected, as well as the supraglottic larynx. With this localization of the process, a preliminary diagnosis can be made using laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy, available in any medical institution. In this regard, a timely visit to an otolaryngologist will allow starting treatment at an early stage, which will help improve the prognosis. The most effective therapeutic measures used at this stage are surgical removal of the tumor and radiation therapy.
The prognosis with timely treatment of stage 1 throat cancer is favorable.
The second stage of the disease is characterized by further tumor growth, affecting the adjacent areas.
There may be an increase in regional lymph nodes. They are soft, easily displaced, their palpation is painless. Diagnostic biopsy allows you to determine the absence of metastases in them.
In connection with the germination of nerve endings, at this stage, the development of pain syndrome is already possible. With the defeat of the vocal cords, the change in the timbre of the voice increases. He becomes hoarse. There is a rapid fatigue from the conversation. Surgical removal of the tumor is a prerequisite for improving the prognosis. Timely implementation of treatment measures at this stage guarantees a 5-year life extension for 80% of patients.
The third stage of throat cancer is characterized by worsening of symptoms.
Patients are worried
- malaise;
- weakness;
- weight loss;
- sore throat;
- sensation of a foreign body in the throat;
- dry cough;
- difficulty breathing, possible development of suffocation;
- change of voice, up to silence.
An important diagnostic and prognostic factor is the enlargement of the lymph nodes. They become dense, welded to the surrounding tissues. In some cases, the lymph nodes appear as dense packets.
A diagnostic biopsy establishes the presence of atypical cells in them, which indicates the development of metastases. At the same time, the performed instrumental studies make it possible to exclude the development of metastases and damage to other organs and systems. Most often, ultrasound, CT, MRI, x-ray examination of the chest organs are used for diagnosis.
At this stage, the treatment should only be of a comprehensive nature, including all possible means proposed by modern medicine, surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and the use of chemotherapeutic drugs. At this stage, treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx with folk remedies is allowed. The main requirements for such methods of treatment are that they are used in conjunction with traditional treatment, not replacing it. In addition, the remedy recommended by alternative medicine must be safe for the patient.
The fourth stage of throat cancer is characterized by the further spread of the tumor process.
At the same time, atypical cells in the course of their vital activity have a toxic effect on the entire body, leading to the development of cancer intoxication. The most common symptoms in this case are
- severe weakness;
- malaise;
- emaciation;
- increased body temperature;
- sore throat;
- soreness when trying to pronounce sounds;
- aphonia;
- dry cough;
- asthma attacks;
- hemoptysis;
- bad breath.
At this stage, the involvement of various organs and systems in the process is noted. With throat cancer, metastases can be found in the bronchi, lungs, brain, spine, less often in the liver and kidneys, which also affects the clinical picture.
Therapeutic measures are aimed exclusively at prolonging the patient's life. Long-term forecasts are unfavorable. At this stage, patients are actively turning to alternative medicine.
Dependence of the course of the disease on the localization of the tumor
The course of throat cancer and prognosis largely depend on the localization of the process. Despite the possibility of early diagnosis, the supraglottic larynx cancer is characterized by a malignant course. This is due to the fact that this area is equipped with a wide network of lymphatic vessels, contributing to the spread of the tumor process.
Localization of the process in the area of the vocal cords is characterized by more pronounced symptoms, when the patient has a progressive voice disorder, which forces him to turn to specialists. In addition, in the area of the vocal cords, the lymphatic and capillary networks are insufficiently developed, which prevents the rapid spread of the tumor. Thus, the tumor of the ligamentous larynx is characterized by slow growth, which creates the prerequisites for more optimistic forecasts.
Cancer of the subglottic larynx is characterized by late diagnosis, which is due to the paucity of symptoms, which is masked by chronic laryngitis, laryngotracheitis. In addition, a dry cough and some discomfort in the throat are constant signs of smokers. For a long time, such patients do not turn to specialists, believing that the presence of symptoms is due to a bad habit. With such a localization of the process, difficulties may arise with the specification of the diagnosis, since visual detection of a tumor using indirect laryngoscopy can be difficult.
Since early diagnosis of the disease plays a significant role in further prognosis, it is recommended that for all categories of patients with prolonged presence of symptoms of throat lesions, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist.
Hoarseness of the voice, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, dry cough for more than three weeks is a reason to visit a hospital and undergo a laryngoscopy.
Patients with a burdened history, having bad habits, as well as employees of hazardous industries should make a scheduled visit to an ENT doctor twice a year.
