supraglottis cancer

Supraglottic Cancer: An Overview

Supraglottic cancer, also known as supraglottic carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the upper part of the larynx (voice box), specifically the supraglottis. This region includes the epiglottis, false vocal cords, and supporting muscles within the framework of the cartilaginous "box" called the thyroid cartilage.

Characteristics and Symptoms

• Supraglottic cancer is almost exclusively squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), although SCC of the supraglottis is seen less frequently than cancer of the glottis.
• Early symptoms may include pain with swallowing, ear pain, and a lump in the neck.
• Difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia) and pain with swallowing (odynophagia) are common symptoms.
• Supraglottic cancer often has few initial symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose early.

Staging and Treatment

• Stage 2 cancer means the cancer has grown into more than one part of the supraglottis or the vocal cords (glottis).
• Supraglottic cancers have a different treatment approach compared to glottic and subglottic cancers.
• Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both.

Prognosis and Statistics

• Laryngeal cancers represent one-third of all head and neck cancers and are a significant source of morbidity and mortality.
• Supraglottic cancer is the second most common type of laryngeal cancer.
• The prognosis for supraglottic cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis and overall health.

References

• [1] Cancer of the supraglottis (supraglottic carcinoma) is a rare but serious form of head and neck cancer. (Source: Context)
• [11] Laryngeal cancers primarily originate from any of the 3 subdivisions of the larynx—the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis—and each maintains its own staging system. (Source: Context)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Supraglottic Cancer

Supraglottic cancer, a type of laryngeal cancer, can cause various symptoms that may be persistent or recurring. These symptoms are often similar to those experienced in other conditions, making it essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

• Persistent dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing food and liquids is a common symptom of supraglottic cancer [4].
• Odynophagia: Pain while swallowing can also occur due to the tumor's growth in the upper part of the larynx [4].
• Otalgia: Ear pain, often accompanied by a sensation of fullness or pressure, is another symptom associated with supraglottic cancer [5].
• Hoarseness: A hoarse voice can be an early sign of supraglottic cancer, although it may not always be present [3][8][9].
• Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus can occur if the tumor has spread to nearby tissues [4].
• Stridor: A high-pitched sound while breathing in can indicate airway obstruction due to the tumor's growth [4].
• Chronic cough: A persistent cough that doesn't go away can be a symptom of supraglottic cancer, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like hoarseness or difficulty swallowing [5][11].

It is essential to note that these symptoms may not always be specific to supraglottic cancer and can be caused by other conditions. If you experience any persistent or recurring symptoms, consult your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [3] - Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper portion of the voice box and includes cancer that affects the epiglottis, [2]. [4] - Patients with supraglottic cancer may present with the following signs and symptoms: Persistent dysphagia Odynophagia Otalgia Hoarseness Hemoptysis Stridor Chronic cough. Neck mass Workup in supraglottic cancer. Clinical examination is notoriously inadequate for mapping tumor extent. [4]. [5] - Early laryngeal cancer may not have any symptoms at all. Small growths of the vocal cords may produce hoarseness or coughing, making glottic cancer more likely to be diagnosed early. Early cancer of the supraglottis (above the vocal cords) may cause pain, perhaps made worse with swallowing, and the pain may feel like it involves the ear, a [5]. [8] - The main symptom of laryngeal cancer is having a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks. Other symptoms include: a change in your voice, such as sounding hoarse [8]. [9] - The most common symptoms of laryngeal cancer are voice changes that include hoarseness and a weak voice that lasts longer than a few weeks [9]. [11] - These symptoms are more common when the cancer starts above the vocal cords. This is called supraglottic cancer of the larynx. Other less common symptoms include: feeling breathless; having a cough that does not go away. This may happen when the cancer affects the area below the vocal cords in the subglottis, near the windpipe (trachea) [11].

Diagnostic Tests for Supraglottic Cancer

Supraglottic cancer, a type of laryngeal cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its location and symptoms that may mimic other conditions. Various diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of supraglottic cancer and determine its stage.

Imaging Tests

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: CT scans provide detailed images of the inside of your body, showing the size and location of the tumor [4].
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans can also show the extent of the tumor and any involvement of surrounding structures [5].

Endoscopy

• Nasoendoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through your nose to visualize the supraglottic area [6].
• Laryngoscopy: A laryngoscope is used to examine the larynx, including the supraglottic region, and may be performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a primary care physician [7].

Biopsy

• Supraglottic laryngectomy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed during a supraglottic laryngectomy, which involves removing the upper part of the larynx through your neck or mouth [4].

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms [6].
• Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray may be performed to check for any spread of cancer to the lungs [6].
• PET scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be used to assess the extent of cancer and its response to treatment [9].

Staging and Grading

After these tests have been completed, your doctor can determine the stage and grade of the cancer. The stage of cancer refers to its size and spread, while the grade indicates how quickly it is growing.

References: [4] - Imaging scans: CT or MRI scans provide detailed images of the inside of your body. [5] - Supraglottic laryngectomy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed during a supraglottic laryngectomy. [6] - Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. [7] - Laryngoscopy: A laryngoscope is used to examine the larynx, including the supraglottic region. [9] - PET scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be used to assess the extent of cancer and its response to treatment.

Treatment Options for Supraglottic Cancer

Supraglottic cancer, a type of laryngeal cancer, can be treated with various drug therapies. According to the search results, here are some treatment options:

• Immunotherapy: Treatment with an immunotherapy drug, either alone or with chemotherapy, is another option for supraglottic laryngectomy (1).
• Targeted therapy: The most common targeted therapy drug used to treat laryngeal cancer, including supraglottic cancer, is cetuximab (Erbitux) (8). It is usually given in a vein in the arm (by IV) once a week.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used as a treatment for supraglottic carcinoma that has stopped responding to platinum-based chemotherapy (14).

Second-line Treatment

For patients who have experienced disease progression or recurrence following completion of first-line therapy, second-line chemotherapy is given (9). This may include targeted therapies such as cetuximab.

Combination Therapy

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) often recommend a combination of treatments for advanced-stage laryngeal cancer, including supraglottic cancer. These combinations may include surgery followed by radiation therapy, primary chemoradiation therapy, or a combination of all three methodologies (5).

References:

• [1] Supraglottic larynx includes the epiglottis, false vocal cords, ventricles, aryepiglottic folds, and arytenoids.
• [8] The most common targeted therapy drug used to treat laryngeal cancer is cetuximab (Erbitux).
• [9] Stage IVC: Second-line chemotherapy is given after disease progression or recurrence following completion of first-line therapy.
• [14] Supraglottic carcinoma is cancer that starts in the supraglottis of the larynx.

Differential Diagnosis of Supraglottic Cancer

Supraglottic cancer, also known as supraglottic carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the supraglottic region of the larynx. The differential diagnosis for supraglottic cancer includes several conditions that can mimic its symptoms and presentation.

Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system, and it can also affect the larynx. According to [6], lymph node metastasis are more common in supraglottic and subglottic tumors than with glottic cancers due to the minimal lymphatic drainage of the glottis.

Laryngeal Syphilis: Laryngeal syphilis is a rare condition that can cause symptoms similar to those of supraglottic cancer, such as hoarseness and a sore throat. According to [2], laryngeal carcinoma must be differentiated from laryngeal syphilis.

Chronic Laryngitis: Chronic laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx that can cause symptoms similar to those of supraglottic cancer, such as hoarseness and a sore throat. According to [2], laryngeal carcinoma must be differentiated from chronic laryngitis.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a type of salivary gland tumor that can also affect the larynx. According to [5], mucoepidermoid carcinoma and its two major differential diagnoses (squamous cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma) have distinct histopathological features.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the larynx. According to [1], supraglottic cancer is almost exclusively squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

It's essential to note that a proper diagnosis can only be made through a thorough medical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy results.

References:

[1] Supraglottic cancer is almost exclusively squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), although SCC of the supraglottis is rare. [1]

[2] Laryngeal carcinoma must be differentiated from laryngeal syphilis, lymphoma, and chronic laryngitis. [2]

[5] Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and its two major differential diagnoses (squamous cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma) have distinct histopathological features. [5]

[6] Lymph node metastasis are more common in supraglottic and subglottic tumors than with glottic cancers due to the minimal lymphatic drainage of the glottis. [6]