glottis carcinoma

Glottic Carcinoma: A Common Type of Laryngeal Cancer

Glottic carcinoma, also known as cancer of the glottis, is a common type of laryngeal cancer that affects the true vocal cords and anterior and posterior commissures. It is usually well-differentiated and grows slowly [4]. Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which begin in thin, flat cells that look like fish scales under a microscope [5].

Characteristics of Glottic Carcinoma

Glottic carcinoma typically begins on the mucosal surface of the vocal cords. It is often staged using the TNM system and the number staging system [6]. The main symptom of glottic cancer is having a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, along with other symptoms such as changes in voice quality or pitch [8].

Prevalence and Causes

Glottic cancer makes up a significant portion of all laryngeal cancers, which are one of the most common head and neck malignancies worldwide. Smoking and alcohol abuse are typical causes of glottic cancer, although tumors from this subsite have a better prognosis compared to other types of laryngeal cancer [10].

Staging and Treatment

Glottic carcinoma can be staged using various systems, including the TNM system and number staging system. The stage of the cancer determines the treatment options available, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both.

Citations: [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [8] - Context result 8 [10] - Context result 10

Common Signs and Symptoms of Glottic Carcinoma

Glottic carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the vocal cords in the larynx (voice box), can exhibit several signs and symptoms. These may include:

• Hoarseness: The most common symptom of glottic carcinoma is hoarseness or changes in the voice [5][9][12]. This occurs when the tumor impacts the vocal cords, causing them to vibrate abnormally.
• Hemoptysis: If the tumors are large, they can cause bleeding in the lungs, leading to hemoptysis (coughing up blood) [5].
• Pain or discomfort: Some people may experience pain or discomfort when swallowing or speaking [8][13].

Early Detection is Key

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as a cold or allergies. However, if you experience any persistent changes in your voice or other symptoms for more than two weeks, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of people with stage 1 cancers of the glottis survive for five years or more [14]. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Remember, if you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or changes in your voice, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and care.

Treatment Options for Glottic Carcinoma

Glottic carcinoma, also known as cancer of the vocal cords, can be treated with various drug therapies in addition to surgery and radiation. Here are some of the treatment options:

• Cetuximab: This targeted therapy blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is often overexpressed in glottic carcinoma cells. Cetuximab has been shown to slow or stop cancer cell growth [6].
• Pembrolizumab: This immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Pembrolizumab targets and blocks PD-1, a protein that can help cancer cells evade the immune system [5].
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to treat advanced glottic carcinoma. It is usually given along with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) [8]. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers include cisplatin, carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), docetaxel (Taxotere) [9].

Combination Therapy

Treatment for stages 3 and 4 carcinoma of the glottis is often a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be used as the main treatment with chemotherapy given during the same time period to avoid a total laryngectomy alone in people who cannot cope with chemoradiation and surgery [10].

References

• Cetuximab for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancers​​ [6]
• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) [5]
• Chemotherapy drugs used to treat laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers [9]
• Treatment for stages 3 and 4 carcinoma of the glottis is often a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy [10]

The differential diagnosis of glottic carcinoma, also known as vocal cord cancer, involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms and characteristics.

Benign mucosal lesions:

• Vocal nodules: These are small, benign growths on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness or voice changes.
• Polyps: Similar to vocal nodules, polyps are small, non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords.
• Granulomas: These are small, inflammatory lesions that can occur on the vocal cords.
• Amyloidosis: A rare condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in the tissues of the vocal cords.

Benign neoplasms:

• Papillomas: Benign tumors that grow on the vocal cords and can cause voice changes.
• Haemangiomas: Rare, benign growths made up of blood vessels that can occur on the vocal cords.
• Granular cell tumors: These are rare, non-cancerous tumors that can occur on the vocal cords.
• Lymphangioma: A rare condition where abnormal lymphatic vessels grow on the vocal cords.

Premalignant conditions:

• Vocal cord leukoplakia: A condition where white patches or lesions form on the vocal cords, which can be a precursor to cancer.
• Carcinoma in situ of the larynx: An early stage of cancer that has not yet invaded deeper tissues.

Other conditions:

• Laryngeal tuberculosis: A rare infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can affect the vocal cords and surrounding tissues.
• Chronic laryngitis: Inflammation of the vocal cords and surrounding tissues, which can cause voice changes and other symptoms.

These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of glottic carcinoma, as they can present with similar symptoms and characteristics. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination and evaluation by an experienced healthcare professional. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]