Conditions that could rob you of your voice

To many professionals, a voice is a means to earn a living—the politicians, singers and others of the like. A voice is part of every human’s livelihood, therefore.

But at times the voice is silenced by illness, such as when a person’s voice box is attacked by cancer. This means, certain people’s careers are ruined, let alone their lives.

That’s why I want us to look at what can rob you of your voice, especially Cancer of the Voice box or rather, laryngeal cancer.

Well, bacterial infection of the epiglottis could also cause loss of voice. Asthmatic patients too, however, these are temporary conditions. Laryngeal cancer is long-term and really devastating.

How it occurs

It happens when cells form in the tissues of the larynx (voice box). The vocal cords in this organ, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them are attacked.

One may begin to notice the signs of this cancer especially when it begins from the area near the vocal cords. One will experience hoarseness of voice. It’s usually the earliest sign.

But not all patients may experience it that way.

Some laryngeal cancers begin below or above the epiglottis and move to the vocal cords later. So, changes in the voice come late. This means that doctors may also discover this late.

There are those who begin by experiencing difficulty in swallowing, ear pain, sore throat, weight loss, constant coughing and neck lump due to cancer spreading to the lymph nodes. Any of these signs or symptoms calls for a visit to your doctor.

Who is at risk?

People at risk of laryngeal cancers are those that smoke tobacco. Harmful use of alcohol has also been reported to be a risk factor for this disease.

Poor nutrition has been mentioned though the exact mechanism is obscure. The Human papilloma virus is also a culprit and hence oral sex is something to be carefully debated between partners.

The good news however is that we currently have vaccines against the virus and actually reduce infection and hence possibly curb on the incidence of the cancer.

Other risk factors include work place exposure where different compounds and chemicals like asbestos have been linked to the disease.

Gender, sex and race are other factors that are unmodifiable. Risk factors don’t mean its sure deal that one will develop the cancer, there are patients who have none of the risks but have developed the condition.

However risks factors are to be taken serious and for those that are modifiable, lifestyle change is important.

If the cancer has been diagnosed through confirmation by pathologist, a team of doctors will plan your treatment with you.

Usually the team will consist of the Ear Nose and Threat surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologists preferably in a well-established centre capable of handling such cases.

For the patients have are believed to have very late stage and who have no obvious benefit from any kind of treatment, end of life plan is initiated with the help of the patient and family in reaching such a decision.