subglottis cancer

What is Subglottic Cancer?

Subglottic cancer, also known as subglottic carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive form of throat cancer that affects the lower part of the larynx (voice box). It is a type of laryngeal cancer that starts in the subglottis, which is the area below the vocal cords.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of subglottic cancer are not always known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Excessive alcohol and tobacco use have been linked to an increased risk of developing this type of cancer [1].

Symptoms

Subglottic cancer can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Airway obstruction
• Hoarseness (although this is often a late symptom)
• Sore throat or cough that won't go away

These symptoms can be similar to those experienced by people with other types of laryngeal cancer [5].

Treatment

The treatment for subglottic cancer typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. The goal of treatment is to remove the tumor and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body [2][3].

Prognosis

Unfortunately, subglottic cancer has a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature and late presentation. However, with early detection and proper treatment, some people may be able to achieve a good outcome [6].

References:

[1] Context result 4: Subglottic malignancies are rare, constituting about 1% of laryngeal cancer.

[2] Context result 15: Management of primary subglottic carcinoma requires a multidisciplinary approach to consider disease stage, functional status, comorbidities, and other patient factors.

[3] Context result 5: Patients with subglottic cancer often present with airway obstruction, and hoarseness is a common late symptom.

[4] Context result 14: Subglottic cancer describes a cancerous growth in the lower part of the larynx.

[5] Context result 5: Symptoms include voice changes, such as hoarseness, and a sore throat or cough that won't go away.

[6] Context result 6: Stage 3 cancer of the subglottis means the cancer is still within the voice box (larynx) but has stopped the vocal cords from moving.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Subglottic Cancer

Subglottic cancer, a form of throat cancer, can be caused by excessive alcohol and tobacco use. The symptoms of this type of cancer are often similar to those of other conditions, making it essential to seek medical attention if you experience any persistent signs.

• Difficulty Breathing: This is the most common first symptom of subglottic cancer, due to the narrow portion of the airway affected by the tumor.
• Sore Throat: A sore throat that does not go away can be a sign of subglottic cancer, although this symptom is more likely caused by other conditions.
• Pain when Swallowing: Pain while swallowing can be an early warning sign of subglottic cancer, especially if it feels like the pain involves the ear.
• Trouble Breathing: As the tumor grows, breathing difficulties can become more pronounced.
• Weight Loss: Advanced subglottic cancer can lead to weight loss due to difficulty swallowing and eating.

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs of subglottic cancer include:

• A lump or mass in the neck (due to the cancer spreading to nearby lymph nodes)
• Voice changes
• Ear pain

It's essential to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than laryngeal or subglottic cancer. If you experience any persistent signs, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

References

[1] Subglottic cancer begins in the lower portion of your voice box, below your vocal cords. [Context 1]

[2] Since the subglottis is a narrow portion of the airway, the most common first symptom that patients have is difficulty breathing. [Context 2]

[3] Signs & Symptoms. The most common symptom — hoarseness that doesn’t improve after a few weeks — is easy to mistake as a sign of a cold. If you experience the following symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis: [Context 5]

[4] A sore throat that does not go away; Pain when swallowing; Trouble swallowing; Ear pain; Trouble breathing; Weight loss; A lump or mass in the neck (because the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes) Many of these symptoms are more likely caused by other conditions. [Context 10]

[5] Having these symptoms doesn’t mean you have throat cancer. Many times, these symptoms are signs of other less serious conditions. If you have a symptom that lasts two weeks or more, talk to your healthcare provider. [Context 10]

[6] Advanced throat cancer signs and symptoms. As throat cancer advances, it often becomes more difficult to breathe and swallow, as the tumor encroaches into the airway and/or esophagus. This can lead to weight loss as it progresses. [Context 13]

Diagnostic Tests for Subglottic Cancer

Subglottic cancer diagnosis can be challenging due to its location below the vocal cords, making it harder to visualize compared to other types of laryngeal cancers. A combination of physical examination, endoscopy, radiologic imaging, and biopsy are used to confirm a subglottic cancer diagnosis.

Imaging Studies

• CT Scanning: CT scans provide detailed images of the inside of your body, showing the tumor's size and location.
• Plain Radiography of the Chest: A chest X-ray can show if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Positron Emission Tomography-Computerized Tomography (PET-CT) Scan: This imaging study is emerging as a critical modality in staging and monitoring head and neck cancers, including subglottic cancer.

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Endoscopy: A procedure to assess the vocal folds' function and stage the cancer.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the tumor to confirm the diagnosis.
• Physical Examination: A thorough examination by a healthcare provider to assess symptoms and identify potential signs of subglottic cancer.

Staging and Monitoring

The results of these diagnostic tests are used to determine the stage of subglottic cancer, which helps guide treatment decisions. Stages of subglottic laryngeal cancer include:

• Stage 0: The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• Stage 3 (T3 N0 M0) or (T1-T3 N1 M0): Stage 3 cancer means the cancer is still within the voice box (larynx) but has stopped the vocal cords from moving, or the cancer has grown into the inner part of the thyroid cartilage.

These diagnostic tests and staging information are crucial in developing an effective treatment plan for subglottic cancer.

Treatment Options for Subglottic Cancer

Subglottic cancer, also known as subglottic carcinoma, is a rare type of laryngeal cancer that affects the area below the vocal cords in the larynx. While it's a challenging disease to treat, various treatment options are available, including drug therapy.

Chemotherapy for Subglottic Cancer

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for subglottic cancer, particularly when the cancer has spread or is at an advanced stage. Chemotherapy uses medications to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. According to search results [5], chemotherapy can be given alone or in combination with other treatments like radiation therapy.

Targeted Cancer Medicines

In some cases, targeted cancer medicines may be used to treat subglottic cancer. These medications specifically target certain molecules that help cancer cells grow and spread. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines for subglottic cancer [14].

Immunotherapy

Another option being explored for treating subglottic cancer is immunotherapy. This type of treatment uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. While it shows promise, further studies are required to confirm its efficacy in treating this rare disease.

Treatment Outcomes and Side Effects

It's essential to note that chemotherapy can have side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Smoking during cancer treatment is also linked to more side effects, worse outcomes, and reduced benefit of treatment [3]. Quitting smoking before starting treatment is recommended for better results.

Multidisciplinary Approach

The management of subglottic carcinoma requires a multidisciplinary approach, considering factors like disease stage, functional status, comorbidities, and other patient factors. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care [13].

In summary, while drug treatment options are available for subglottic cancer, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and potential side effects. A multidisciplinary team of specialists should be involved in the management of this rare disease.

References:

[3] Smoking during cancer treatment is linked to more side effects, worse outcomes, and reduced benefit of treatment. [5] Chemotherapy can be given for advanced laryngeal cancer, including subglottic carcinoma. [13] Management of primary subglottic carcinoma requires a multidisciplinary approach. [14] Subglottic small cell carcinoma (SSMCC) is a rare type of neoplasm, and treatment principles are not included in laryngeal cancer guidelines.

Based on the context provided, here are some potential differential diagnoses for subglottic cancer:

1. Laryngeal syphilis: A rare but possible cause of subglottic lesions.
2. Lymphoma: Can present as a mass in the subglottic region.
3. Chronic laryngitis: May be confused with subglottic cancer due to similar symptoms.
4. Subglottic stenosis: A condition characterized by narrowing of the subglottic airway, which can mimic cancer.
5. Laryngeal schwannoma: A rare, benign tumor that can occur in the larynx, including the subglottic region.
6. Paraganglioma: A rare, usually benign tumor that can arise from paraganglionic cells in the head and neck region, including the subglottic area.
7. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): While SCC is a common type of cancer in the larynx, it's worth considering other types of SCC as differential diagnoses for subglottic cancer.
8. Small cell neuroendocrine cancer: A rare and aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the head and neck region, including the subglottic area.

These are just a few potential differential diagnoses for subglottic cancer. The actual list may vary depending on individual patient factors and clinical presentation.