91ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

How are laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers treated?

Treatment for?laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer?may include:

Common treatment approaches

Depending on the stage of the cancer and your overall health, different treatment options may be used alone or in combination. In making your treatment plan, important factors to consider are the site and the stage (extent) of the cancer. Your cancer care team will also take into account your general health and your personal preferences. A major focus of treatment is to try to save your larynx and voice if possible. Most experts don¡¯t recommend surgery that will totally remove the larynx unless there are no other options.

Who treats laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers?

Based on your treatment options, you might have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors can include:

• An otolaryngologist (also known as an?ear, nose, and throat, or?ENT?doctor): a surgeon who treats certain diseases of the head and neck.
• A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.
• A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
• A plastic surgeon:?a doctor who specializes in reconstructing or repairing parts of the body
• An oral and maxillofacial surgeon:?a dental surgeon who treats diseases of the mouth, teeth, and jaws.

A speech therapist, an audiologist, and a dietician are also key players on your cancer care team. You'll meet with them before treatment starts so they can see how well you can swallow and make a nutrition plan for you to follow during treatment.?Many other specialists could be involved in your care as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, speech therapists, social workers, and other health professionals.?

Making treatment decisions

It¡¯s important to discuss all treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs.?For instance, if the cancer is too advanced to be cured, the goal may be to remove or destroy as much of the cancer as possible to keep the tumor from growing, spreading, or returning for as long as possible. Some of the treatments can also be used as palliative treatment if all the cancer cannot be removed.?Palliative treatment?is meant to relieve symptoms, such as pain or trouble swallowing, but it's not expected to cure the cancer.

It is often a good idea to seek a second opinion. A second opinion can give you more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.