Laryngeal Tumor

Laryngeal tumors are divided into benign and malignant. The common benign one is laryngeal papilloma, seen at any age, but pediatric and adult forms differ. Pediatric laryngeal papilloma occurs in children aged 3 to 12, possibly viral in origin, often multifocal on the laryngeal mucosa. Microscopy shows typical papilloma structure; electron microscopy sometimes reveals intranuclear viral inclusions. The squamous epithelium covering the papillae shows inconspicuous keratinization and rarely undergoes malignant change. Adult laryngeal papilloma is usually solitary, often located on the undersurface of the vocal cord. The covering squamous epithelium usually shows marked keratinization and is more prone to canceration, thus regarded as a precancerous lesion. Other benign laryngeal tumors such as adenoma, hemangioma, fibroma, chondroma and neurofibroma are rare. Laryngeal carcinoma is a relatively common malignant laryngeal tumor, accounting for about 2%-3% of all cancers. Patients are mostly 50-70 years old, more men than women. It commonly occurs in heavy smokers; in addition, long-term inhalation of harmful substances, alcoholism, environmental pollution, and laryngeal papilloma or laryngeal leukoplakia may be related to its development. Laryngeal carcinoma can occur at different sites within the larynx: most common is glottic carcinoma limited to the vocal cord; next is supraglottic carcinoma arising in the supraglottic area such as epiglottis, aryepiglottic fold, ventricular band and laryngeal ventricle; subglottic carcinoma is rare, located below the vocal cord and above the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. Histologically, squamous-cell carcinoma is most common (~95%-98%), adenocarcinoma is rare (~2%).

Common Symptoms

Throat fullness; hoarseness; laryngospasm; dyspnea; sore throat

Causes and Pathogenesis

1. Smoking: Smoking is most harmful to the body; many know this but cannot quit. It causes not only laryngeal cancer but also lung cancer and a series of other cancers. Tobacco tar produced on combustion contains benzopyrene, which is carcinogenic. Tobacco smoke stops or slows ciliary movement, causes mucosal edema and congestion, epithelial thickening or squamous metaplasia — the basis for carcinogenesis. 2. Alcoholism: Long-term heavy drinking also increases the possibility of laryngeal canceration. 3. Air pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air; occupational dust or waste gases such as sulfur dioxide, chromium and arsenic may be carcinogenic. 4. Viral infection: Viruses cause throat diseases, which may cancerate after re-infection. 5. Precancerous lesions: Laryngeal leukoplakia is dyskeratosis of vocal-cord mucosal epithelium presenting as white plaques on the mucosa; caused by chronic upper-respiratory infection, smoking, irritant gases, voice overuse; often eventually cancerates. 6. Chronic inflammatory stimulation such as chronic laryngitis or respiratory inflammation.

Treatment

Surgery, radiotherapy, drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

1. Stop smoking. Tobacco combustion produces tar containing benzopyrene (carcinogenic); smoke also stops/slows ciliary movement and causes mucosal edema/bleeding, epithelial hyperplasia/thickening and squamous metaplasia — the basis of carcinogenesis. 2. Avoid alcoholism. Long-term heavy drinking causes laryngeal congestion/edema and leads to malnutrition and low immune function, laying the basis for cancer. 3. Treat chronic inflammation promptly. Chronic laryngitis or repeated respiratory inflammation may be carcinogenic. 4. Avoid chemical carcinogens related to laryngeal cancer — sulfur dioxide, chromium, arsenic; protect the throat from occupational exhausts and dust. 5. Pay attention to precancerous lesions. Laryngeal leukoplakia is precancerous: dyskeratosis of vocal-cord mucosal epithelium forming white plaques, caused by upper-respiratory infection, smoking, irritant gases, voice overuse, closely related to laryngeal canceration — actively prevent/treat. Also closely observe laryngeal keratosis, chronic hypertrophic laryngitis and papilloma.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.