Precancerous conditions of the larynx
Precancerous conditions of the larynx are changes to laryngeal cells that make them more likely to develop into cancer. These conditions are not yet cancer. But if they aren’t treated, there is a chance that these abnormal changes may become laryngeal cancer. If these changes are a result of smoking, they often go away without treatment if smoking is stopped.
The most common precancerous condition of the larynx is dysplasia. Dysplasia means the cells are different from normal cells in size, shape and organization within the tissue. As dysplasia progresses, it develops into carcinoma in situ (stage 0), which is a very early cancer that has not yet spread to surrounding tissues.
Risk factors
Risk factors that increase your chance of developing dysplasia include smoking, heavy alcohol use and a combination of both.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dysplasia include changes to the voice including:
- hoarseness
- a weak voice
- a voice that tires easily (voice fatigue)
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms or your doctor thinks you might have dysplasia, you will be sent for tests. Tests used to diagnose dysplasia may include:
- a physical exam
- a laryngoscopy
- a biopsy
Find out more about physical exams, a laryngoscopy and biopsies.
Treatments
Treatment options for dysplasia and carcinoma in situ include:
- vocal cord stripping (the doctor uses a long instrument to strip away the outer layers of tissue on the vocal cords)
- endoscopic laser surgery
- external beam radiation therapy