Laryngeal Cancer
The larynx, or voice box, is the organ that contains the vocal cords. Located between the pharynx (throat) and the trachea, the larynx is part of the body’s respiratory system. The larynx is made up of muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. It is lined with little hairs, called cilia, which trap dust and tiny particles and move them toward the pharynx to be expelled by coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing. The cilia are the immune system’s first line of defense in the respiratory tract.
How Asbestos Affects the Larynx
The vocal cords, by nature, disrupt airflow – a fact that may contribute to inhaled asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the larynx. The presence of asbestos fibers triggers the body’s immune response, and white blood cells attack the fibers, resulting in inflammation and scarring.
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Asbestos fibers break down extremely slowly, remaining in the body for many years. The greater degree and length of asbestos exposure, the higher the risk for laryngeal disease.
In 2006, the Institute of Medicine reviewed the findings from several studies to determine if other forms of cancer other than mesothelioma and asbestosis could be linked to asbestos exposure. The Institute’s research not only revealed a connection between asbestos and cancer of the larynx, but also pointed to similarities between some cancers of the larynx and cancers of the lung.
Smoking increases the risk for asbestos-related cancer of the larynx. Smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a greater risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma than either non-smokers who are exposed to asbestos or smokers who are not exposed to asbestos. This effect may be due to the fact that cigarette smoke paralyzes the cilia, impairing the body's ability to expel foreign particles, including asbestos fibers.
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Laryngeal Disease
Because some of the symptoms of asbestos-related laryngeal cancer are similar to those of several common illnesses, diagnosis can be difficult. Symptoms include:
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- A lump in the neck
- A sore throat or the feeling of something stuck in your throat
- A lingering cough
- Breathing problems
- Earache
- Bad breath
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of exposure to asbestos, you may wish to talk to your doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Asbestos-Related Laryngeal Disease
If your doctor determines that your symptoms require further investigation, he or she may conduct one or more of the following:
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Physical examination. The doctor will feel your neck and check your thyroid, larynx, and lymph nodes for abnormal lumps or swelling.
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Laryngoscopy. This is an examination in which your doctor looks down into your throat to check for abnormalities and to make sure the vocal cords move normally. An indirect laryngoscopy is a procedure performed in the doctor’s office. In a direct laryngoscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube through your nose or mouth to see areas of the throat that can’t be viewed otherwise. This test is conducted in the doctor’s office, in an outpatient clinic, or in a hospital, and the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to prevent gagging, as well as medication to relax you.
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Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This is an imaging study the doctor may use to identify tumors. You may be injected with a special dye before your scan to ensure a clear image of your larynx.
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Biopsy. If examination reveals an abnormal area, your doctor may remove a small sample of tissue to look for cancer cells. This procedure is a biopsy, and it is the only way to know for sure if a tumor is cancerous.
If examinations reveal that you have asbestos-related laryngeal cancer, your doctor will explain your treatment options; their risks, benefits, and associated side effects; and the results you might expect from each option. Treatment methods for asbestos-related laryngeal disease may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, alone or in combination.
Your treatment choice will depend on your general health, the location of the cancer in the larynx, the size of the tumor, and whether or not the cancer has spread. Clinical studies may also provide a treatment opportunity for you. Ask your doctor to help you identify studies you may qualify for.
At this time, there is no certain cure for asbestos-related cancer of the larynx. Research continues, however, bringing hope to patients and their families.
If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure, you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page. There you will find information on the various medical tests available for confirming the presence of asbestos-related illnesses and abnormalities. If you would like to learn of possible legal action that can potentially be taken against a product or company that caused prolonged asbestos exposure and perhaps led to a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, contact on of our asbestos attorneys to learn more about the laws surrounding the issue.