Booklet: What You Need to Know about Laryngeal Cancer

Treatment Options

Treatment for cancer of the larynx depends on a number of factors. Among these are the exact location and size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. To develop a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs, the doctor also considers the person's age, general health, and feelings about the possible treatments.

Many patients want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. When discussing treatment options, the patient may want to talk with the doctor about taking part in a research study of new treatment methods. Such studies, called clinical trials, are discussed in the Treatment Studies section.

The patient and the doctor should discuss the treatment choices very carefully because treatments for this disease may change the way a person looks and the way he or she breathes and talks. In many cases, the patient meets with both the doctor and a speech pathologist to talk about treatment options and possible changes in voice and appearance.

People with cancer of the larynx have many important questions. The doctor and other members of the health care team are the best ones to answer them. Most patients want to know the extent of their cancer, how it can be treated, how successful the treatment is expected to be, and how much it is likely to cost. These are some questions patients may want to ask the doctor:

• What are my treatment choices?
• Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
• What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
• How will I speak after treatment?
• How will I look?
• Will I need to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
• When will I be able to return to work?
• How often will I need to have checkups?

When a person is diagnosed as having cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions. These feelings may make it difficult for patients to think of everything they want to ask the doctor. Often, it helps to make a list of questions. To help remember what the doctor says, patients may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some people also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor--to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.

<< Back                        Back to Content Page                      Next  >>