Laryngeal Cancer Stage I
Stage I laryngeal cancer is the earliest form of cancer affecting the voice box, where the tumor is limited to a small area and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites in the body.
Table of contents
- What is stage I laryngeal cancer?
- How the location of cancer affects staging
- Treatment options for stage I laryngeal cancer
What is stage I laryngeal cancer?
Stage I laryngeal cancer is the earliest stage of cancer that affects the larynx, which is your voice box.[1] The larynx is a part of your throat located between the base of your tongue and the windpipe. It contains your vocal cords, which vibrate to create sound when air passes through them.[2]
In stage I cancer, the tumor is small and limited to one area of the larynx. The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes in the neck or to other parts of the body.[1] This is also called early stage laryngeal cancer.[1]
The larynx has three main parts. More than half of laryngeal cancers, about 60%, start in the middle part called the glottis, where the vocal cords are located. About 35%, or more than one in three cancers, begin in the upper part called the supraglottis. Only about 5%, or 1 in 20 cases, start in the lower part called the subglottis.[2]
How the location of cancer affects staging
The exact definition of stage I laryngeal cancer depends on where in the larynx the tumor is located.[1] Each of the three parts of the larynx has its own staging description.
If the cancer starts in the supraglottis, which is the area above the vocal cords, stage I means the tumor is only within the supraglottis. At this stage, the vocal cords may still move normally.[1]
When cancer begins in the glottis, the middle part where the vocal cords are, stage I means the tumor is only within the vocal cords themselves.[1]
If the cancer starts in the subglottis, the area below the vocal cords, stage I means the tumor has not spread outside this lower part of the larynx.[1]
Treatment options for stage I laryngeal cancer
Stage I laryngeal cancer is often highly curable, and treatment usually focuses on removing the cancer while preserving your ability to speak.[10] Several treatment approaches are available, and your healthcare team will recommend the best option based on the exact location of your cancer and your personal situation.
Surgery is a common treatment for early stage laryngeal cancer. You may have a procedure called transoral surgery, which means the surgeon operates through your mouth to reach and remove the cancer.[9] Another surgical option involves using a laser to remove areas of cancer.[15] These approaches often require relatively little time, produce fewer side effects, and have been linked with good results.[15]
Radiation therapy is another effective treatment option for stage I laryngeal cancer. This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.[10] Many studies suggest that radiation therapy preserves vocal function better than surgery.[17] When radiation therapy is used as the main treatment, surgery is kept as a backup option if the cancer returns.[17]
Both surgery and radiation therapy can produce excellent results for stage I laryngeal cancer, with similar survival rates.[10] Your doctor will discuss the benefits and possible side effects of each treatment option with you. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as where exactly the tumor is located in your larynx, your overall health, and your personal preferences about preserving your voice.[9]
After treatment, you will have regular check-ups with your healthcare team. These follow-up visits help monitor your recovery and watch for any signs that the cancer might return.[12]