Vocal Cord Tumor Treatments

The first step in vocal cord tumor treatment is a biopsy of the tumor. This is a procedure that is usually performed in the operating room. During the procedure, some or all of the tumor will be removed and analyzed to determine if it is cancerous. If the tumor is found to be cancerous, follow-up treatment may be required, including further surgery. Some patients may also require radiation therapy.

About Vocal Cord Tumors

Vocal cord tumors are found within the vocal cords and can become cancerous. Roughly 10,000 cases of vocal cord cancer are diagnosed each year. Before tumors are present, pre-cancerous lesions may be found. These are typically characterized by a white or red plaque on the vocal cords. Removing pre-cancerous lesions can stop cancerous tumors from growing. Vocal changes, including hoarseness, are some of the first signs of vocal cord tumors, which leads to early evaluation and treatment. Vocal cord cancer is often connected to a history of smoking, but is not limited only to smokers.

Symptoms of Vocal Cord Tumors

  • Vocal changes
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lumps that can be felt in the neck
  • The feeling of something stuck in your throat
  • Coughing (sometimes with blood)
  • Ear pain
  • Vocal strain
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About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists is a premier provider of ENT care. Founded in 1997, our mission is to help the patients of Houston improve their lives by helping them achieve long-term relief. We are a multi-location practice with 15 offices across Houston. We’ve set ourselves apart by offering patients:

Personalized Treatment

Your treatment will be customized to meet your specific needs to help improve the symptoms that are impacting your daily life.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Our locations are staffed with a team of highly-trained, board-certified providers who have years of experience with ENT care.

Centers of Excellence

We’ve built a seamless patient experience that begins the moment you walk through our doors.

Continuity of Care

Our goal is to provide you with long-term relief from your condition rather than just a short-term solution.

Vocal Cord Tumors FAQ's

Who do vocal cord tumors affect?

Vocal cord tumors can affect a wide variety of patients. Factors that can increase the risk for vocal cord tumors include:

  • Prolonged smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Age (tumors are more common in those over 55)
  • Gender (men are more likely to have these tumors)
  • Exposure to toxic materials

Can children have vocal cord tumors?

Yes, certain strains of vocal cord tumors are common in children. Laryngeal papillomatosis is a common type of benign vocal cord tumor caused by HPV, with roughly 60%-80% of all cases occurring in children.

How are vocal cord tumors detected?

Most patients begin feeling symptoms such as hoarseness or vocal changes and seek an evaluation. If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, a piece or the entire tumor is removed and examined for cancer.

With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, we’re never far away.

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