Laryngitis And Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngitis And Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngitis

Laryngitis

The larynx is made of cartilages (thyroid, cricoid and arytenoids cartilage ) held together by ligaments.

Larynx ( voice box ) is lined (except for vocal cords ) by a ciliated mucous membrane, on each lateral wall of the laryngeal cavity are tow horizontally placed folds of mucous membrane, they are:-

- Ventricular folds ( false folds ) above and down.

- Vocal folds ( true ) below.

- Vocal folds vibrate producing sounds that are moulded by the palate, tongue, teeth and lips.

Definition:

Laryngitis is an inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane lining the larynx.

Aetiology:

- Infection that spread from other parts of the upper respiratory system.

- Excessive or improper use of the voice.

- Smoking.

- Exposure to dust, and chemical.

- Usually due to viral infection, bacterial may be secondary.

- Onset may be associated with exposure to sudden temperature change, usually associated with rhinitis or nasopharyngitis.

Signs and symptoms :

- Hoarseness.

- A cough.

- Throat irritation.

- Fever, headache and muscle ache.

Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal Cancer

Definition:

Tumour of the larynx. most common in people over 45 years, more in men than women . ( 8 times more in male ) potentially curable if detected early.

Aetiology:

- Chronic Laryngitis.

- Irritation such as alcohol, cigarette smoking and industrial pollution.

- Exposure to asbestos, wood, leathers and metals.

- Habitual overuse of voice.

- Family history.

Signs and symptoms:

- Persistent hoarseness, voice may be harsh and low in pitch.

- Lump in the throat.

- Dysphagia, dyspnea and foul breath ( later symptoms).

- Pain and burning in the throat when talking, drinking the hot liquid and citrus juice.

- Weakness, weight loss and anaemia ( if advanced).

Diagnosis:

1-  History and physical assessment of the head and neck.

2- Laryngoscopy to inspect the area.
3- X-ray of soft tissues.

4-biopsy to examine all areas of larynx.

5- lymph node biopsy of the neck and thyroid gland is palpated.

Treatment:

- Removal of a tumour alone, or the entire larynx " laryngectomy".

- Radiation: good result in pt. that has only one cord affected, pt. normally retains voice . could be used pre-op to decrease the size of a tumour.

- Surgery: laryngectomy ( may be partial, supraglottic, or total).



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