Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a common malignancy of the respiratory tract in the head and neck region. In 2020 there were 184,615 newly diagnosed cases of LC globally. The age-standardized incidence rate was 2.0 per 100,000 people. In the same year, 99,840 deaths were reported (with an age-standardized death rate of 1.0 per 100,000 people) [1]. In 2017 the incidence rate of LC in males was about seven times higher than in females [2]. Common risk factors include: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, occupational exposure and human papillomavirus. Patients with early-stage glottic tumors often seek medical attention due to vocal dysfunction. However, the insidious nature of certain LCs increased the incidence of advanced-stage cases [3]. In the United States of America more patients are being diagnosed with advanced LC, leading to stagnant survival rates over time [4]. Regional disparities in LC burden increase from differences in social development. These disparities cause temporal variations in LC burden trends [5, 6].
What Is Laryngeal Cancer?
Laryngeal tumor is a malignant disease that develops in the larynx tissues and belongs to the group of head and neck cancers. The larynx is a key part of the head and neck region responsible for breathing, swallowing and voice formation – so larynx cancer directly affects the quality of life and patient's general condition. In most cases, it is squamous cell carcinoma, which arises from the squamous epithelium of the mucous membrane.
The malignant process begins with the development of abnormal tissue in which tumor cells lose control over division. Over time, a primary tumor is formed, capable of spreading to surrounding structures (in particular the thyroid cartilage, salivary glands, thyroid gland and lymph nodes of the head and neck region). That is why laryngeal carcinoma is considered in the context of head and neck tumors.
Depending on the anatomical location there are three main forms of laryngeal tumors, which have different clinical manifestations and treatment approaches:
- Glottic laryngeal tumors. This form affects the vocal cords (most laryngeal cancers are glottic). Due to early symptoms (such as hoarseness) the glottic variant is often diagnosed at an early stage. Early laryngeal cancer can be treated with a high chance of controlling the disease.
- Supraglottic laryngeal tumors. Develops in the upper part of the larynx above the vocal cords. This area has a rich lymphatic network – so tumor cells spread more quickly to the lymph nodes. Supraglottic tumors can quickly turn into advanced laryngeal cancer (requiring a combination of different cancer treatments).
- Subglottic laryngeal tumors. The rarest form, localized below the vocal cords. Developing laryngeal cancer often remains unnoticed for a long time and progresses to advanced cancer (due to minimal early symptoms).
Regardless of localization laryngeal tumor is a serious challenge for modern oncology. Understanding the anatomical differences of laryngeal tumors allows doctors to choose the best treatment, form an individual treatment plan and effectively fight cancer (preserving larynx functions and the patient's general health).
Early symptoms of laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer often does not show any symptoms in its early stages – making it difficult to diagnose. Early detection is crucial as early treatment can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment and the chance of a full recovery.
The most common early symptoms include:
- Voice changes and hoarseness
- A feeling of a foreign body in the throat
- Sore throat or ears
- Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
- Unexplained cough or bloody sputum
- Fatigue and general malaise
It is important to remember that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not always mean cancer (but they should not be ignored). If hoarseness, sore throat or problems with swallowing persist for more than two weeks, you should definitely consult an otolaryngologist for an examination and (if necessary) additional examinations. Early diagnosis allows to start treatment at a stage when it is most effective and gentle for the patient.
Why Treatment Choice Matters in Laryngeal Tumors?
The choice of treatment for laryngeal cancer is important since it is not only about controlling the tumor but also about preserving the basic functions of the larynx. Cancer of the larynx develops in the anatomically and functionally sensitive area of the head and neck region (where any aggressive intervention can have long-term physical and psychological consequences).
The traditional cancer of the larynx treatment has historically been aimed at the radical removal of the primary tumor. This approach is often accompanied by severe functional and aesthetic complications. Loss of voice, the formation of a permanent tracheostomy and deformities in the head and neck region significantly affect the general health and social adaptation of patients with laryngeal tumors.
This problem is especially acute in patients with early laryngeal cancer when the choice of treatment of laryngeal cancer determines whether the function of the larynx will be preserved. Even with effective control of cancer cells an aggressive approach can lead to a loss of quality of life, which is not always justified from a clinical point of view.
In cases of advanced laryngeal cancer (or developing laryngeal cancer), the situation is complicated by the involvement of surrounding structures and lymph nodes, which increases the risk of radical solutions. That is why in modern oncology more and more attention is paid not only to how to fight cancer, but also to how to do it without excessive loss of functions [9].
The right choice of laryngeal cancer treatment plan is a strategic decision that affects long-term results, the ability to treat cancer effectively and maintain a balance between oncological control and quality of life.
Standard Treatment Options for Laryngeal Tumors
Classical treatment options for laryngeal tumors remain the mainstay of oncology. They are effective in controlling tumor cells, shrinking the primary tumor and limiting spread to the head and neck region (including lymph nodes). However, standard methods are often accompanied by significant functional and aesthetic complications, which affect the patient's quality of life.
Surgery for LC
Surgical intervention (including partial or total laryngectomy) effectively removes the primary tumor. However, after such surgical procedures, patients often lose their voice, require a permanent tracheostomy and face noticeable cosmetic changes. Even at early stage laryngeal cancer, surgery can leave serious scars that affect general health and social adaptation.
Radiation Therapy for LC
Radiation therapy allows the destruction of cancer cells in the tumor area and may reduce the need for radical surgery. However, radiation therapy often causes severe side effects: dry mouth, inflammation of the mucous membrane, voice disorders and changes in the skin of the neck, which also affects the general health and appearance of the patient.
Chemotherapy for LC
Systemic chemotherapy helps control developing cancer outside the primary focus. Such larynx cancer therapy can cause common side effects – nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, as well as skin and hair changes, which worsen the social comfort and the patient's general health.
Chemoradiotherapy for LC
Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy enhances the effect of each method and is used for advanced laryngeal cancer (and other head and neck tumors). However, the combination of methods often increases the risk of serious side effects, including speech disorders, swallowing problems and noticeable cosmetic changes, which emphasizes the importance of finding more organ-sparing treatment options.
Thus, standard approaches to the treatment of laryngeal cancer are effective in controlling the tumor, but are often accompanied by severe functional and cosmetic consequences (creating the basis for the introduction of innovative treatment methods).
Innovative Treatment Options for Laryngeal Cancer
Modern oncology offers a number of innovative treatment options, which provide effective control of cancer cells, preservation of laryngeal function and minimization of cosmetic consequences. Such methods are especially relevant for patients who want to fight a tumor without losing their voice and the natural appearance of the head and neck region.
Dendritic Cell Therapy for Laryngeal Cancer
Dendritic cells for cancer of the larynx is an innovative immunotherapy that leverages the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. These cells "present" tumour antigens, activating T-cells that recognize and destroy the primary tumor. It is important to notice, that the discovery of dendritic cells' function in the immune response was recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (which emphasizes the scientific significance of this approach).
For patients with early stage laryngeal cancer, developing laryngeal cancer or even advanced laryngeal cancer, this therapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, allowing tumor control without radical robotic surgery and without noticeable cosmetic consequences.
For a deeper insight into how dendritic cell therapy for laryngeal tumors works in practice and to hear expert explanations straight from the source, watch this detailed discussion.
Prof. Frank Gansauge: How Dendritic Cell Therapy is Transforming Modern Cancer Treatment
Regional Chemotherapy for Laryngeal Cancer
Regional chemotherapy laryngeal cancer is a high-tech method of local delivery of cytostatics directly to the affected area [10-13]. Unlike systemic chemotherapy, it increases the drug concentration in the primary tumor and surrounding tissues, minimizing the impact on the entire body and reducing the risk of serious systemic side effects.
The main technological aspects include:
- Isolation of the head and neck region with balloons. During the procedure, the blood circulation in the larynx area is temporarily isolated so that cancer cells receive the maximum dose of chemo (while healthy tissues remain protected) [13].
- Filtration of the blood returning to the general circulation removes excess cytostatics, which significantly reduces systemic toxicity [10-13].
- Control of pressure and perfusion rate, which ensures uniform tissue saturation with drugs and minimizes the risk of damage to thyroid cartilage, salivary glands and other structures of the head and neck region.
Possibility of combination with other treatments – in particular, with electrochemotherapy laryngeal cancer or local immunotherapy, which increases the effectiveness of the treatment plan and allows treating laryngeal tumors in an organ-preserving way.
This method is especially effective in more advanced cancers, where standard surgical procedures often lead to loss of voice and serious cosmetic changes. Regional chemotherapy allows doctors to fight tumor locally, preserving the voice, appearance and functions of the larynx (which significantly improves social adaptation and patients' general health).
Electrochemotherapy for Laryngeal Cancer
Electrochemotherapy laryngeal cancer combines local administration of cytostatics with short electrical pulses that increase the permeability of cancer cell membranes. This approach allows doctors to kill cancer cells pointwise without affecting healthy tissues (which minimizes cosmetic defects and organ dysfunction).
The method is especially effective for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (also for early laryngeal cancer), and can also be used as part of a comprehensive head and neck cancer treatment. Electrochemotherapy is suitable for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery or require organ-preserving procedures.
In addition, this therapy demonstrates high effectiveness in controlling local tumor growth, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving the quality of life (due to its less invasive nature). It can be used as a stand-alone treatment method in the early stages of the disease, or in combination with other approaches.
Learn more about this revolutionary cancer treatment method in the video below. Prof. Dr. Attila Kovács explains how this innovative technology combines electrical impulses and chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells as effectively as possible.
Prof. Kovács on Electrochemotherapy – How Electric Pulses Help Chemo Actually Work
| Treatment Method | Systemic Toxicity | Cosmetic Effect / Quality of Life |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Chemotherapy ± Electrochemotherapy | Minimal, localized effect | Appearance and function preserved |
| Surgery | High surgical trauma | Frequent cosmetic defects, tracheostomy |
| Systemic Chemotherapy | High systemic toxicity | General exhaustion |
| Radiation Therapy | Moderate systemic toxicity | Fibrosis, tissue dryness |
Comparison of Treatment Cost in Different Countries
| Treatment Method | Germany (€) | Great Britain (€) | USA (€) | Australia (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Chemotherapy ± Electrochemotherapy | 18,000 – 75,000 | 30,000 – 118,000 | 37,000 – 150,000 | |
| Surgery | 25,000 – 45,000 | 35,000 – 55,000 | 65,000 – 85,000 | 30,000 – 70,000 |
| Systemic Chemotherapy | 80,000 – 150,000 | 90,000 – 165,000 | 100,000 – 180,000 | 45,000 – 120,000 |
| Radiation Therapy | 28,000 – 42,000 | 35,000 – 65,000 | 40,000 – 80,000 | 25,000 – 50,000 |
Advanced Treatment Strategies for Recurrent or Advanced Laryngeal Cancer
The standard treatment of laryngeal cancer has one main problem – radical laryngectomy, which often becomes the only way to control the tumor. Surgical removal of the larynx is effective for eliminating the primary tumor. Still, the price of this is the loss of voice, the formation of a permanent tracheostomy, significant aesthetic changes and serious limitations in everyday life. Patients are forced to adapt to new ways of communication, changes in appearance and difficulties with social integration.
Against this background, innovative treatment methods open up new horizons. Dendritic cell therapy, regional chemotherapy and electrochemotherapy control tumor cells locally (preserving the larynx and voice functions). The patient gets not only a chance to fight the tumor, but also the opportunity to remain himself – to communicate, work, lead an active life without a permanent tracheostomy.
Organ-preserving strategies significantly reduce psychological burden and improve general health. They allow for an individualized treatment plan, combining local and systemic methods that effectively control the developing cancer while minimizing functional and cosmetic loss. For patients with early stage laryngeal cancer or locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma (stage III and higher), this means a full life without restrictions that was previously impossible.
Today, oncology is increasingly focused on organ preservation as a key goal of treatment. This is not just a treatment – it is a way to preserve the voice, appearance and quality of life (while effectively controlling the tumor). This approach allows the patient to remain active, socially integrated and self-confident, which makes innovative treatment options the number one choice.
Why Patients Choose to Treat Laryngeal Cancer Abroad
Patients are increasingly choosing treatment abroad (especially in Germany). Key benefits:
- Multidisciplinary approach – teams of head and neck surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and rehabilitation specialists work together to create a treatment plan, that controls the primary tumor and preserves larynx functions.
- Doctors' experience – specialists work with early stage laryngeal cancer and advanced laryngeal cancer, using innovative visualization (positron emission tomography) and advanced treatment options (to achieve maximum control over tumor cells).
- Advanced technologies – precise methods of regional chemotherapy, electrochemotherapy and dendritic cell therapy laryngeal cancer allow for influencing the tumor locally and minimizing side effects.
- Recovery without compromise – modern approaches ensure a quick return to a full life, without a permanent tracheostomy and with minimal impact on general health.
- Access to innovative programs – clinical research and advanced head and neck cancer treatment protocols open up methods that are not available in most other countries.
- Control and confidence – the patient gets not only the chance to treat laryngeal cancer, but also to maintain the quality of life, remain active and confident in themselves.
Germany gives the patient the best treatment for laryngeal cancer: effectiveness, accuracy, preservation of voice and appearance – without compromise.
Patient Story: Beating Laryngeal Tumor with Regional Chemotherapy
Michael, 62, from Toronto, Canada, had been experiencing hoarseness and difficulty with his voice for a long time. After a detailed examination he was diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma – a tumor localized in the glottic region. Traditional treatment – total laryngectomy – guaranteed control of tumor cells, but would have completely taken away his voice and changed his appearance (which was unacceptable for Michael).
After consultations at a German clinic, he chose regional chemotherapy. The procedure involved isolating the blood circulation of the larynx with balloons, which allowed the maximum dose of chemo to be delivered directly to the primary tumor. Blood filtration reduced systemic toxicity. Control of the perfusion rate and pressure ensured uniform tissue saturation with drugs, which allowed killing tumor cells locally (while preserving thyroid cartilage and surrounding healthy tissues).
The course of treatment was without severe systemic side effects. Michael retained his voice, was able to eat normally and remained active in his daily life. After completing the course of regional chemotherapy, follow-up examinations showed a significant reduction in the tumor size (functions of the larynx remained completely preserved).
Today, Michael has returned to work and an active lifestyle. His story demonstrates how modern methods can effectively treat laryngeal cancer without sacrificing laryngeal function and appearance.
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
Finding the best treatment strategy for your clinical situation is a challenging task. Being already exhausted from multiple treatment sessions, having consulted numerous specialists, and having tried various therapeutic interventions, you may be lost in all the information given by the doctors. In such a situation, it is easy to choose a first-hand option or to follow standardized therapeutic protocols with a long list of adverse effects instead of selecting highly specialized innovative treatment options.
To make an informed choice and get a personalized cancer management plan, which will be tailored to your specific clinical situation, consult medical experts at Booking Health. Being at the forefront of offering the latest medical innovations for already 12 years, Booking Health possesses solid expertise in creating complex management programs in each individual case. As a reputable company, Booking Health offers personalized treatment plans with direct clinic booking and full support at every stage, from organizational processes to assistance during treatment. We provide:
- Assessment and analysis of medical reports
- Development of the medical care program
- Selection of a suitable treatment location
- Preparation of medical documents and forwarding to a suitable clinic
- Preparatory consultations with clinicians for the development of medical care programs
- Expert advice during the hospital stay
- Follow-up care after the patient returns to their native country after completing the medical care program
- Taking care of formalities as part of the preparation for the medical care program
- Coordination and organization of the patient's stay in a foreign country
- Assistance with visas and tickets
- A personal coordinator and interpreter with 24/7 support
- Transparent budgeting with no hidden costs
Health is an invaluable aspect of our lives. Delegating management of something so fragile yet precious should be done only to experts with proven experience and a reputation. Booking Health is a trustworthy partner who assists you in pursuing stronger health and a better quality of life. Contact our medical consultant to learn more about the possibilities of personalized treatment with innovative methods and with leading specialists in this field.
Cancer Treatment Abroad: Patient Experiences with Booking Health
Frequently Asked Questions About Laryngeal Cancer
Send request for treatmentSurvival depends on the stage: early-stage laryngeal cancer has high survival rates (often above 80–90%) while advanced cases have lower rates. Timely detection and effective therapy significantly improve outcomes.
Early signs include: persistent hoarseness, throat pain, difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck (voice changes are often one of the first symptoms).
Yes, many patients achieve long-term remission – especially with early diagnosis and appropriate modern therapies for throat cancer (even advanced cases with lymph nodes involvement can be controlled effectively).
Prognosis depends on tumor stage, location and lymph node involvement – early treatment generally leads to excellent outcomes (advanced stages require more intensive therapy).
The best treatment for laryngeal cancer is individualized (combines surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and innovative options) – organ preservation and functional outcomes are key considerations.
Yes. Organ-preserving treatment (regional chemotherapy, ECT and dendritic cell therapy) can control the tumor while maintaining voice and airway function.
Dendritic cell therapy laryngeal cancer is an innovative immunotherapy, that helps the body’s natural defenses target cancer cells. Dendritic cells show promising results (especially when combined with other cancer treatments).
Regional chemotherapy for laryngeal cancer delivers drugs directly to the tumor area (increasing effectiveness while reducing systemic side effects). Isolation and filtration techniques protect healthy tissues.
ECT laryngeal cancer (or electrochemotherapy) uses electric pulses to increase drug uptake by cancer cells. It targets tumors locally, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Yes. Advanced laryngeal cancer treatment can include innovative options (dendritic cell therapy, regional chemotherapy or ECT) which allow tumor control while preserving function.
Organ-preserving therapies focus on voice preservation and maintaining airway function. When innovative cancer treatments are used patients often retain normal speech and breathing (compared to radical surgery, radiation therapy and targeted therapy).
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
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Comprehensive Guide to Head and Neck Cancers
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