Laryngeal Cancer Negligence Solicitors & Throat Cancer Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims.

Throat, or laryngeal, cancer is a type of cancer that forms within the tissues that make up the hollow tube inside the neck, which runs from behind the nose to the top of the oesophagus and windpipe (trachea). Throat cancer can affect the tonsils, the larynx, and the pharynx, which itself is divided into sections including the nasopharynx (the upper throat behind the nose); the oropharynx (the middle section of the pharynx); and the hypopharynx (the bottom section).

The main types of throat cancer are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of throat cancer, it begins in the flat cells that line the inside of the throat.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type of throat cancer begins in the mucus-producing glands of the throat.
• Lymphoma: This type of cancer begins in the white blood cells of the lymphatic system.
• Sarcoma: This type of cancer begins in the bones, muscles, or connective tissues of the throat.

Laryngeal cancer can present with a variety of different symptoms, and may appear differently from one person to the next. Some of the most common signs of throat cancer to look out for include the following:

• Persistent cough
• Hoarse voice
• Pain or difficulty when swallowing
• Swelling or a lump in the neck
• Persistent sore throat
• Persistent earache
• Pain in the neck
• Coughing up blood
• High pitched wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling very fatigued

If you experience any of these symptoms, or any other symptoms that give you cause for concern, it is recommended you seek medical advice as soon as possible. When throat cancer is detected early there is a higher chance of survival, so any delay in diagnosis can impact your overall prognosis.

It is not clear exactly what causes throat cancer, however there are a number of different factors that may increase the likelihood of a person developing the disease. Some of the risk factors for laryngeal cancer include:

• Smoking tobacco
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Eating a diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
• Family history of throat or neck cancer
• Contracting human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Exposure to substances like asbestos and coal dust

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing throat cancer is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, ensuring you eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and lean proteins, as well as avoiding cigarettes and alcohol.

If you have developed laryngeal cancer after exposure to asbestos, coal dust, or toxic chemicals, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experienced solicitors to find out more information..

If you have any of the symptoms of laryngeal cancer, the first step is to see your GP who will carry out an examination before referring you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. At your appointment with the specialist, they should carry out a variety of tests, including:

• Nasendoscopy – A procedure where a small camera is inserted into the nose to examine the nasal tube, throat, and larynx.
• Laryngoscopy – A procedure where a small camera is passed down the throat via the mouth in order to examine the larynx.
• Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope.
• Scans – If the results of the biopsy and endoscopies indicate cancer, an ultrasound, MRI, CT, or PET-CT scan may be used to determine the exact size and location of the cancer and if it has spread.

The treatment for laryngeal cancer will usually be administered by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of oncologists, surgeons, specialist nurses, radiographers, radiologists, and pathologists. The MDT will work together to prescribe the best course of treatment for your throat cancer, as well as providing ongoing care and rehabilitative support.

The main types of treatment that are typically offered to laryngeal cancer patients include:

• Radiotherapy – Controlled doses of radiation are used to target and destroy the cancerous cells. Patients will usually have a mould of their face taken so that a plastic mask can be made, allowing the head to be held in place so that the exact location can be targeted.
• Chemotherapy – Powerful cancer-killing medicines damage the DNA of cancerous cells in order to prevent them from reproducing. Chemotherapy can be used alongside radiotherapy and surgery to reduce the size of the tumour and increase the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Surgery – There are three different types of surgery for throat cancer: endoscopic resection, partial laryngectomy, and total laryngectomy. Endoscopic resection is more effective at treating early stage throat cancer, whilst more advanced cancers may require more invasive surgery to remove part or all of the larynx.

In cases where the patient has had to undergo a total laryngectomy, they are no longer able to breathe or speak normally, and will require a permanent stoma in the neck to allow them to breathe.  They may additionally require specialist treatment to try and restore their voice, or have to rely on an electronic voice box for the rest of their life. If your laryngeal cancer was misdiagnosed, which led to your condition progressing to the point where you needed a total laryngectomy, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our specialist medical negligence team are on hand to help you and discuss your options.