DEFINITION: Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the larynx. Cancers of the larynx may be small to large and may cause voice loss, or breathing or swallowing problems. It is often linked to excessive use of tobacco and alcohol. These substances tend to damage the lining of the larynx, leading to the development of changes that may ultimately result in malignant transformation. Second-hand smoke, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies may also be contributing factors.

TREATMENTS: The ultimate goals of designing a treatment strategy for a particular patient are to rid the patient of the tumor and to preserve the principle functions of the larynx, which are voice, swallowing and comfortable breathing without a tracheotomy tube. There have been great advances in endoscopic and open surgery of the larynx for cancer that allows the surgeon to preserve these functions. If there is a small part of the larynx involved with the cancer, a partial laryngectomy can be performed. This may either be performed through an endoscopic laser technique or through an open procedure. Endoscopic procedures are done through the mouth without an external incision or tracheostomy. Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as endoscopes, microscopes and lasers are used to remove only the tumor and a small area of surrounding tissue. In most cases the patient is able to go home the same day or the next day. This approach is particularly advantageous in reducing the pain or morbidity of open surgery of the larnyx. In some situations, partial laryngectomy may need to be done externally. This procedure is most often done through an incision in the neck and involves removing the portion of the larynx that contains the tumor. A temporary tracheotomy (breathing hole in the neck) must often be used. The extent of the native laryngeal tissues which need to be removed will determine the level of sophistication and complexity of the reconstructive procedure.

BENEFITS There are dramatic benefits to Minimally Invasive Surgery. Prolonged hospital stays can be avoided if minimally invasive endoscopic approaches can be used. The partial laryngectomy techniques allow for better preservation of function and a faster recovery time. Patients also enjoy reduced post-operative pain and less scarring than open surgery.

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