Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Surgery

Depending on the cancer type, location and stage, Scripps surgeons may perform several types of surgical treatments for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Whenever possible, Scripps surgeons use minimally invasive robotic surgical techniques, which can mean smaller incisions, faster recovery time and less bleeding and scarring. Should you need reconstructive surgery after your treatment, count on our plastic surgeons for the expertise that has restored function and brought comfort and confidence to many patients.

• Vocal cord stripping, for early-stage cancers, is when the surgeon removes superficial layers of tissue from the vocal cords.
• Endoscopic laser surgery, for early-stage cancers, is when the surgeon uses an endoscope to locate a tumor and then removes it with a high-energy laser.
• Cordectomy is when the surgeon removes all or part of the vocal cords. If the vocal cords are completely removed, normal speech is no longer possible.
• Laryngectomy removes part or all of the larynx. The amount removed depends on the size and location of the cancer.
• Supraglottic laryngectomy removes only the supraglottis, which is the upper part of the larynx above the vocal cords, and preserves normal speaking.
• Hemilaryngectomy removes half of the larynx (voice box) and can partially preserve a patient’s voice.
• Total laryngectomy is when all of the larynx is removed. This surgery includes a tracheostomy (also known as tracheotomy), which places a permanent incision through the front of the neck to the windpipe (trachea) to help a patient breathe.
• Partial or total pharyngectomy is when the surgeon removes all or part of the lower throat (pharynx) and may remove the larynx. This surgery may require a reconstructive procedure to help patients swallow.
• Lymph node removal surgery, also known as neck dissection, is performed if cancer has spread from the larynx and hypopharynx to lymph nodes of the neck.
• Thyroidectomy may be needed if cancer spreads to the thyroid. It may be performed to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The patient may need hormone replacement therapy after this surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be the main treatment for small tumors, or part of a cancer treatment plan that also includes surgery and other therapies. Scripps provides the most advanced radiation treatments for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, including:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of radiation therapy. IMRT allows the radiation oncologist to specify the dose of radiation for the tumor while restricting the dose to surrounding healthy tissues.
• 3-D conformal radiation therapy allows the radiation oncologist to visualize a patient’s anatomy in 3-D. The specialized software for 3-D conformal radiation therapy matches radiation doses to the size and shape of a tumor and thereby minimizes exposure to nearby tissues and organs.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be given to help shrink a large tumor before surgery, to treat cancer that cannot be removed with surgery or to treat cancer that has spread to other areas.

Chemoradiation

Chemoradiation, which combines chemotherapy and radiation, has been shown to shrink laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors more than either treatment alone. In addition, chemoradiation may be used instead of surgery to preserve the larynx.

We are here for you — not only as your oncologists, but as a robust multidisciplinary team of experts who understands that your cancer journey is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps Cancer Center offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical, psychological and emotional well-being as well as resources for dealing with the logistical and financial aspects of cancer care. Our services and resources include:

• Oncology nurses and nurse navigators with extensive clinical expertise in cancer care to help guide you and your caregivers to make informed decisions and ensure your optimal care.
• Palliative care to provide an extra layer of supportive care to manage pain and relieve symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and improve your quality of life. 
• Oncology social workers specially trained to provide counseling, connect you with community and medical resources, assist with transportation and housing and coordinate care after discharge.
• Our registered dietitian nutritionists offer individualized nutrition support for patients whose efforts to optimize their nutrition may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
• Referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, including wound care, voice therapy and swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, yoga and more.
• Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for patients interested in mind-body healing through acupuncture, biofeedback, herbal nutrition, massage therapy, integrative cancer care and more.
• Nondenominational spiritual care offered by our chaplains to help coordinate spiritual care with your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor.
• Visiting patient services if you reside beyond San Diego and want help arranging appointments or learning more about short-term lodging.

For the full spectrum of offerings, please visit our cancer patient support services section.