The larynx, located in the upper part of the throat, plays a crucial role in helping a person speak, breathe, and swallow. Laryngeal cancer occurs when cells in the larynx begin to grow uncontrollably, becoming cancerous (or malignant) and damaging the surrounding tissues. This condition can significantly impact speech, often requiring speech therapy as part of the recovery process.
Cancerous cells may develop in one of three areas of the larynx: the middle where the vocal cords are (the most common location), the upper area, or the lower area (the least common location).
Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms
The earliest symptoms of laryngeal cancer often mimic a bad sore throat or cold, so many people ignore them. They may also think the symptoms are related to allergies if they’ve had allergies throughout their lives.
If your loved one has any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you should have him examined by his doctor to determine the cause:
- A hoarse voice that doesn’t improve within a few weeks
- An inability to generate any volume with his voice
- A persistent sore throat
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Trouble making certain sounds with his voice
- A lump in the throat
- Pain or difficulties when trying to swallow
- Ear pain
If any of these symptoms present themselves, have your loved one seek immediate medical help:
- Coughing up blood
- A feeling that something is stuck in the throat and will not come out
- Struggling to breathe or creating a whistling or high-pitched sound when breathing
Who is Most Likely to Develop Laryngeal Cancer?
While anyone can develop laryngeal cancer, men over the age of 55 are at a higher risk compared to other groups. If your elderly loved one has worked in environments with exposure to substances like asbestos, wood dust, nickel, or mustard gas, their risk may be increased. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, especially when combined, also play a significant role.
Additionally, individuals who have previously had head or neck cancer are at greater risk. For those affected by laryngeal cancer, treatments such as speech therapy can be an essential part of rehabilitation, helping to restore communication and improve quality of life.
Recovery from Laryngeal Cancer
If caught early, your loved one has a good chance of being cured, and even later stages of the disease react well to treatment, and many people recover fully. Depending upon what steps need to be taken to eliminate the cancer, your loved one may need to alter parts of his life and possibly relearn how to do some things like talk and eat.
One area your loved one will need help with is speech therapy. A therapist trained in speech therapy can help him learn how to communicate again.
If he has a complete removal of his larynx, he will need to learn a new way to speak. If only part of the larynx was removed, he may still need speech therapy to help him rebuild the strength of what remains of his larynx, and his voice may sound differently than before. He might find he has to learn new ways to project his voice so others can still hear him well.
The outlook is good for your loved one so long as he follows his doctor’s guidelines for a healthy recovery.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Speech Therapy in Pompano Beach, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
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