Screening of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Executive Summary

Cancer screening employs the systematic application of various tests to detect cancer (laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer). And the primary aim of screening for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer includes detecting the disease. Thereby limiting deaths due to late diagnosis and treatment and lowering the number of people who develop cancer. There are no routine screening tests available to detect laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. But there are general screening procedures to detect the presence of any abnormal growths in the body.

People who use tobacco or consume alcohol should receive an available screening evaluation at least once a year to detect any malignancies. Moreover, general screening is a quick, painless procedure where the doctor will look into your mouth, throat, and nose and check for the presence of any lumps, bumps, or abnormal masses. If any abnormal growth is detected, the doctor will recommend further detailed diagnostic procedures. Additionally, cancerous growths in the larynx and hypopharynx usually cause voice changes and it is essential to understand the reason for such signs and symptoms.

Screening of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Medical screening is a strategy to detect potential health risks or diseases moreover, a thorough medical screening helps in the early detection of disease conditions. Cancer screening is used to detect cancerous growth in the body, even before the person starts to experience any visible signs or symptoms. Additionally, cancer screening employs the systematic application of various tests to detect cancer, moreover, scientists are focusing on devising better screening options and tests to detect different types of cancers in a time-bound manner. Screening and early detection of cancer can be vital in successfully treating and curing the disease ​1​

Primary goals of screening

The primary goals of cancer screening are: 

  • Early detection of disease thereby limiting due to late diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
  • Lower the number of people who develop cancer or any illness.

There is no specific screening procedure for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. It is often hard to detect these cancers without complex diagnostic procedures, but there are general screening procedures to detect the presence of any abnormal growths in the body. For instance, people who use tobacco or consume alcohol are should receive a general screening evaluation at least once a year to detect any malignancies ​2​. It is vital to undergo such screenings even if the person is not experiencing any notable signs or symptoms. General screening is a quick, painless procedure where the doctor will look into your mouth, throat, and nose and check for the presence of any lumps, bumps, or abnormal masses. And if any abnormal growth is detected, the doctor will recommend further detailed diagnostic procedures.

Cancerous growths in the larynx and hypopharynx cause voice changes. People are should consult a doctor and talk about any signs or symptoms they are experiencing. It is essential to understand the reason for such signs and symptoms.

References

  1. 1.
    PDQ Screening and Prevention Editorial Board. pdqcis. Published online October 15, 2021. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65979/
  2. 2.
    Milisavljevic D, Stankovic M, Zivic M, Popovic M, Radovanović Z. Factors affecting results of treatment of Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma. Hippokratia. 2009;13(3):154-160. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19918303