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In this Article

• Throat cancer (larynx cancer) facts*
• What is the larynx?
• What is cancer?
• Who is at risk for larynx cancer?
• What are symptoms of larynx cancer?
• How is larynx cancer diagnosed?
• How is staging for throat cancer determined?
• What are treatment options for larynx cancer?
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• How does a person get a second opinion after a throat cancer diagnosis?
• What can people with throat cancer eat?
• What is involved in rehabilitation after surgery for larynx cancer?
• What follow-up care is needed after treatment for throat cancer?
• What support is available for patients with larynx cancer?
• What research is being done on throat cancer? What about clinical trials?
• Patient Comments: Larynx Cancer - Describe Your Experience
• Find a local Oncologist in your town
• Larynx Cancer Index

You'll need regular checkups (such as every two months for the first year) after treatment for laryngeal cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in your health are noted and treated if needed.

Laryngeal cancer may come back after treatment. Your doctor will check for return of cancer. Checkups may include a physical exam, blood tests, a chest x-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI.

People who have had laryngeal cancer have a chance of developing a new cancer. A new cancer is especially likely for those who use tobacco or who drink alcohol heavily. Doctors strongly urge people who have had laryngeal cancer to stop using tobacco and stop drinking alcohol to cut down the risk of a new cancer and other health problems.

Learning that you have laryngeal cancer can change your life and the lives of those close to you. These changes can be hard to handle. It's normal for you, your family, and your friends to need help coping with the feelings that a diagnosis of cancer can bring.

Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. You may also worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities.

Here's where you can go for support:

• Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities.
• Social workers, counselors, or members of the clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Often, social workers can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support.
• Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with cancer and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to talk with a member of your health care team about finding a support group.
• NCI's Cancer Information Service can help you locate programs and services for people with cancer. Call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). Or chat using LiveHelp, NCI's instant messaging service, at http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp.