Larynx Cancer (cont.)
Followup care
Followup care is important after treatment for cancer of the larynx. Regular
checkups ensure that any changes in health are noted. Problems can be found and
treated as soon as possible. The doctor will check closely to be sure that the
cancer has not returned. Checkups include exams of the stoma, neck, and throat.
From time to time, the doctor may do a complete physical exam and take x-rays.
If you had radiation therapy or a partial laryngectomy, the doctor will also
examine you with a laryngoscope.
Treatments for laryngeal cancer can affect the thyroid. A blood test can
tell if the thyroid is making enough thyroid hormone. If the level is low,
you may need to take thyroid hormone pills.
People who have laryngeal cancer have a chance of developing a new cancer
in the mouth, throat, or other areas of the head and neck. This is
especially true for those who are smokers or drink alcohol heavily. Most
doctors strongly urge their patients to stop smoking and drinking to cut
down the risk of a new cancer and other health problems.
The NCI has prepared a booklet for people who have completed their
treatment to help answer questions about followup care and other concerns.
Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment provides tips for getting
the most out of medical visits. It describes the kinds of help people may
need.
Support for people with
larynx cancer
Living with a serious disease such as cancer is not easy. Some people find
they need help coping with the emotional and practical aspects of their
disease. Support groups can help. In these groups, people living with cancer
get together to share what they have learned about coping with the disease
and the effects of treatment. People interested in finding a support group
may want to talk with their health care provider for suggestions.
People living with cancer may worry about caring for their families,
keeping their jobs, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about tests,
treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors,
nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer questions about
treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker,
counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful for those who want to talk
about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker can
suggest resources for help with rehabilitation, emotional support, financial
aid, transportation, or home care.
The Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER) can provide printed
materials on coping, as well as information to help patients and their
families locate programs and services.
The promise of cancer research
Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical
trials. These are research studies in which people take part voluntarily.
Studies include new ways to treat cancer of the larynx. Research already has
led to advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective
approaches.
People who join these studies have the first chance to benefit from
treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an
important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more
about the disease. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers
take very careful steps to protect their patients.
People with laryngeal cancer are participating in several types of
treatment studies:
- Radiation therapy. Researchers are studying a new approach to
radiation therapy. Patients receive radiation three times a day, 5 days a
week, for just over 2 weeks, instead of once a day for 5 to 7 weeks.
- Drugs that reduce side effects. Researchers are testing therapies
that reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. They are testing drugs
that may help patients maintain their weight or help lessen damage to the
skin during radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy. Scientists are studying drugs that kill cancer
cells. These drugs are used alone or in combination with radiation therapy
to spare the larynx from surgery.
- Biological therapy. Scientists are studying monoclonal antibodies
that slow or stop the growth of cancer.
If you are interested in learning more about joining a clinical trial,
you may want to talk with your doctor. You may want to read Taking Part in
Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know. NCI also offers an
easy-to-read brochure called If You Have Cancer: What You Should Know About
Clinical Trials. These NCI booklets describe how research studies are
carried out and explain their possible benefits and risks. NCI's Web site
includes a section on clinical trials at http://cancer.gov/clinical_trials.
This section of the Web site provides general information about clinical
trials. It also offers detailed information about specific ongoing studies
of cancer of the larynx. The Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER
can answer questions and provide information from the NCI's database of
clinical trials.
Next: What resources are available to patients with larynx cancer and their families? »
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