Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx (or the voice box). In laryngeal cancer cases, malignant cells form in the larynx—squamous cells can line the inside of the larynx. Medical professionals indicate that smoking, alcohol use and other toxic exposure such as asbestos exposure can contribute to the development of serious lung illnesses and cancers.
While smoking remains the most obvious cancer risk factor for Americans, diet, occupational toxic exposure and other factors can play a significant role. If you think your medical condition has been caused by smoking or by workplace toxins, contact a laryngeal cancer lawyer to investigate and review a possible personal injury lawsuit.
Joe Lyon is an experienced Laryngeal Cancer Lawyer with experience engaging companies in product liability cases and employers in workplace injury lawsuits.
Laryngeal Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
In the United States, about 13,000 people a year are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, and many succumb to the illness, with or without treatment. Any individual who smokes tobacco products has a much higher chance of eventually developing throat cancer or cancer of the larynx.
Heavy alcohol consumption and toxic exposure at the workplace or at home can also be risk factors that should be taken into consideration. The combination of smoking, drinking alcohol and other exposure to asbestos or toxic fumes can greatly increase the risk of cancer development.
Other cancer risk factors include advanced age, gender (men are more likely to develop laryngeal cancer), cancer history, and specific occupation, as certain jobs lend themselves to more toxic exposure. Workers regularly exposed to chemicals like sulfuric acid, fine wood dust, and other toxins can be at further risk.
An experienced laryngeal cancer lawyer can work with industry experts and medical professionals to determine the specific cause of cancer in each individual case.
Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms
The following may be clear symptoms of laryngeal cancer, or they could be symptoms of similar conditions:
- A sore throat or persistent cough
- A change in your voice, or long-term hoarseness
- Trouble breathing and swallowing
- Throat and Ear pain
- A lump in the neck or throat
- Dysphonia (problems speaking)
The following symptoms are more severe and necessitate that you see a doctor right away:
- Trouble breathing
- High-pitched and noisy breathing
- Lump in throat or neck
- Feeling like there is something stuck in the throat
- Coughing up blood
Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis
There are several tests and methods to help detect, diagnose, and stage laryngeal cancer, including the following tests and procedures:
- Physical exam of the throat and neck, looking for unusual lumps, tissue deposits or swollen lymph nodes
- Biopsy: cells or tissues are viewed by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.
- Laryngoscopy: checking the larynx for abnormalities
- Endoscopy: another way to inspect the throat, esophagus, and trachea to check for cancer signs
- CT scan, MRI or PET scan: different procedures and ways to capture images of the affected area that can show doctors a bigger picture of the overall situation
- Barium swallow: X-rays of the esophagus and stomach
Laryngeal Cancer Lawyer & Legal Action
Cancer cases can be devastating to individuals and families, and The Lyon Firm is dedicated to assisting plaintiffs in the recovery of crucial compensation to help pay for medical expenses and other damages. If an employer or a company is responsible in part for endangering a worker or consumer and results in the development of cancer, a personal injury or product liability lawsuits may be viable.
Recovery and treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer, the location and size of a tumor, and the patient’s overall health. If a patient continues to drink alcohol and smoke tobacco products, it may decrease the effectiveness of any treatment administered for laryngeal cancer. After cancer treatments, frequent follow-up with your doctor is important.
Cancer may spread to other parts of the body. There are three ways that cancer spreads: through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood. The process of cancer spreading to another part of the body is called metastasis. Cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and move through the lymph system or blood.
