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Voice and Throat (Laryngology) Conditions

Vocal Cord Tumor: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment in Patna, Bihar, India

What is Vocal Cord Tumor?

Vocal cord tumor are abnormal growths occurring on the larynx’s (voice box) vocal cords. Depending on their nature, these growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can cause changes in a patient’s voice and even in his or her ability to breathe or swallow, since the vocal cords produce sound. Even benign vocal cord tumor can cause persistent hoarseness.

While benign vocal cord tumor usually grow slowly and may include cysts, polyps, papillomas, or granulomas, malignant tumor (the most common being laryngeal cancer) necessitate urgent diagnostic procedures and timely treatment to prevent disease spread and preserve voice function and airway patency. In cases like that, hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks warrants a consultation with an ENT specialist.

Vocal Cord Tumor

What Causes Vocal Cord Tumor?

The causes of vocal cord tumor can differ depending on the type of growth.

Main Risk Factors

  • Using tobacco products and smoking
  • Regular alcohol consumption
  • Voice strain
  • Infections with the HPV virus
  • Acid reflux disease (LPR or GERD)
  • Long-term pollution exposure
  • Chronic irritation of the throat
  • Previous experience with radiation therapy

Among other factors that increase the risk of developing cancerous tumor of the vocal cords, smoking and using any tobacco products rank high.

What are the Symptoms of Vocal Cord Tumor?

The nature of the symptoms depends on the tumor’s size, localization, and type.

Common Symptoms Associated With the Disease Include:

  • Hoarse voice
  • Voice change
  • Weak or breathy voice
  • Weak voice
  • Loud speaking difficulties
  • Painful throats
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Sensation of a lump in the throat
  • Constant coughing
  • Breathing difficulties during the advanced stage

These symptoms should not be overlooked; immediate attention is needed.

Types of Vocal Cord Tumor

Tumor can be either benign or cancerous.

Types of Benign Tumor of Vocal Cord

These are non-cancerous growths that generally do not spread.

Common Benign Tumor Include:

  • Polyps of the vocal cords
  • Vocal cord cysts
  • Papillomas
  • Granulomas

Types of Cancerous Tumor of the Vocal Cord

Cancerous tumor, on the contrary, are more aggressive and can invade nearby organs and spread.

Common Malignant Tumor Include:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
  • Rare glands or connective tissue tumor

Timely diagnosis is critical to maintain vocal quality and obtain the most favorable results.

How Vocal Cord Tumor are Diagnosed?

Examination of patients and assessment of voice qualities

  • Laryngoscopy: Visualization of the vocal cords using an advanced scope
  • Video stroboscopy: Comprehensive visualization of vocal cord vibrations and any tumor invasion
  • Biopsy: Taking a small piece of tissue for further testing
  • CT scan or MRI: To evaluate the extent of the lesion and involvement of neighboring organs

These methods assist ENT specialists in accurately diagnosing and staging the tumor.

What are the Treatment for Vocal Cord Tumor?

The approach to treating a tumor depends on its type, location, size, and stage.

Medication

In some cases, some benign or inflammatory lesions might respond to medical management and voice therapy.

Voice Therapy

Voice rehabilitation can be beneficial before or after treatment to restore vocal cord function.

Surgery

It is a common approach for treating both benign and malignant tumor.

Types of Surgery

Include:

  • Microlaryngeal surgery
  • Tumor removal via endoscopy
  • Laser-assisted surgery
  • Larynx resection in advanced cancer

Additional Cancer Treatments

In case of cancer, patients might receive:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy (selected cases)

In the early stages of the disease, the prognosis is good, with the possibility of retaining the patient’s voice.

What are the Complications of Untreated Vocal Cord Tumor?

Vocal Cord Tumor, left untreated, can cause severe complications.

Possible Complications:

  • Persistent changes in voice
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Swallowing problems
  • Direct extension of cancer into the adjacent tissues
  • Airway obstruction in severe cases

The likelihood of a successful course of treatment increases with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How Vocal Cord Tumor can be prevented?

Maintaining a healthy overall lifestyle may help reduce the likelihood of developing vocal cord tumor.

Preventive Measures:

  • Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Practice vocal hygiene
  • Timely treatment of acid reflux symptoms
  • Stay away from prolonged chemical exposure.
  • Get checked by a doctor if hoarseness persists.

Living With the Vocal Cord Tumor

Having vocal cord tumor may impact the way one communicates and feels emotionally.

Useful Advice:

  • Follow treatment and rehabilitation programs.
  • Avoid stress on your voice during recovery.
  • Get frequent ENT checkups.
  • Consume a balanced diet.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Seek emotional and familial support.

Thanks to current advances in therapy and rehabilitation, most patients achieve adequate voice restoration and maintain their quality of life.

Why choose LIKITA ENT Hospital for Vocal Cord Tumor Treatment in Patna, Bihar, India?

Likita ENT Hospital offers safe and effective Vocal Cord Tumor Treatment in Patna, Bihar, India, at an affordable cost. Our team of experienced ENT specialists provides accurate throat and voice examination and diagnostic assessment to identify the type, size, location, and extent of the vocal cord tumor and evaluate its impact on voice and airway function. Treatment is tailored according to the nature of the tumor, whether benign or malignant, its stage and location, severity of symptoms, and individual patient needs. When required, our ENT specialists can manage associated hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, throat discomfort, or other related symptoms and recommend appropriate medical, surgical, or multidisciplinary treatment based on the diagnosis. With advanced ENT diagnostic facilities, experienced specialists, and a patient-focused approach, Likita ENT Hospital is committed to providing safe, precise, and comfortable Vocal Cord Tumor Treatment in Patna, Bihar, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Vocal Cord Tumor Treatment in Patna, Bihar, India:

+91 8797863384 contact@patnaent.com
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