Laryngeal Cancer Health Article

Coping with cancer treatment

Cancer treatment, even when successful, has many unwanted side effects. In laryngeal cancer, the biggest side effects are the loss of speech due to total laryngectomy and the need to breathe through a hole in the neck called a stoma. Several alternative methods of sound production, both mechanical and learned, are available, and should be discussed with a speech pathologist. Support groups also exist for people who have had their larynx removed. Coping with speech loss and care of the stoma is discussed more extensively in the laryngectomy entry.

Chemotherapy brings with it a host of unwanted side effects, many of which disappear after the chemotherapy stops. For example, hair will re-grow, and until it does, a wig can be used. Medications are available to treat nausea and vomiting. Side effects such as dry skin are treated symptomatically.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are government-regulated studies of new treatments and techniques that may prove beneficial in diagnosing or treating a disease. Participation is always voluntary and at no cost to the participant. Clinical trials are conducted in three phases. Phase 1 tests the safety of the treatment and looks for harmful side effects. Phase 2 tests the effectiveness of the treatment. Phase 3 compares the treatment to other treatments available for the same condition.

The selection of clinical trials underway changes frequently. Clinical trials for laryngeal cancer currently focus treating advanced cancers by combining radiation and surgical therapy, radiation and chemotherapy, and different combinations of chemotherapy drugs. Other studies are examining the most effective timing and duration of radiation therapy.

Current information on what clinical trials are available and where they are being held is available by entering the search term "laryngeal cancer" at the following web sites:

• National Cancer Institute. <http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov> or (800) 4-CANCER.
• National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials. <http://clinicaltrials.gov>
• Center Watch: A Clinical Trials Listing. <http://www.centerwatch.com>

Prevention

By far, the most effective way to prevent laryngeal cancer is not to smoke. Smokers who quit smoking also significantly decrease their risk of developing the disease. Other ways to prevent laryngeal cancer include limiting the use of alcohol, eating a well-balanced diet, seeking treatment for prolonged heartburn, and avoiding inhaling asbestos and chemical fumes.

Special concerns

Being diagnosed with cancer is a traumatic event. Not only is one's health affected, one's whole life suddenly revolves around trips to the doctor for cancer treatment and adjusting to the side effects of these treatments. This is stressful for both the cancer patient and his or her family members. It is not unusual for family members to feel resentful of the changes that occur in the family, and then feel guilty about feeling resentful.

The loss of voice because of laryngeal surgery may be the most traumatic effect of laryngeal cancer. Losing the ability to communicate easily with others can be isolating. Support groups and psychological counseling is helpful for both the cancer patient and family members. Many national organizations that support cancer education can provide information on in-person or on-line support and education groups.

See Also Alcohol consumption, Cigarettes, Smoking cessation

Resources

PERIODICALS

Ahmad, I., B.N. Kumar, K. Radford, J. O'Connell, and A.J.Batch. "Surgical Voice Restoration Following Ablative Surgery for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Carcino ma." Journal or Laryngology and Otolaryngology 114 (July 2000): 522-5.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Cancer Society. National Headquarters, 1599 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. 800 (ACS)-2345. <http://www.cancer.org>

National Cancer Institute. Cancer Information Service. Bldg.31, Room 10A19, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD20892. (800) 4-CANCER. <http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/index.html>

National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. <http://occam.nci.nih.gov>

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. P. O. Box 8218, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8281. (888)644-6226. <http://nccam.nih.gov>

OTHER

"What you Need to Know About Cancer of the Larynx." Can cerNet November 2000. 19 July 2001 <http://www.cancernet.nci.nih.gov>

"Laryngeal Cancer." CancerNet 19 July 2001 <http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cancernet/201519.html#3_STAGEEXPLANATION>

Tish Davidson, A.M.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What stage is my cancer, and what exactly does that mean?
• What are possible treatments for my cancer?
• How long will my treatment last?
• What are some of the changes in my activities that will occur because of my treatment?
• What is daily life like after a laryngectomy?
• How will I speak?
• I've heard about clinical trials using radiation and drugs to treat cancer of the larynx. Where can I find out more about these trials?
• What changes in my lifestyle can I make to help improve my chances of beating this cancer?
• How often will I have to have check-ups?
• What is the likelihood that I will survive this cancer?
• Can you suggest any support groups that would be helpful to me or my family?

Dysplasia

—The abnormal change in size, shape or organization of adult cells.