Surgery for laryngeal cancer

Our multidisciplinary team of specialists has unparalleled experience diagnosing and treating laryngeal cancer at one of the largest cancer centers in the New York metro area. With us, you gain access to leading-edge therapies and world-class facilities that provide every level of support and care. This includes the latest technologies for treating laryngeal cancer and more, such as:

• Innovative transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and other minimally invasive procedures that remove tumors of the mouth and throat while speeding recovery and preserving speech, swallowing and other key functions
• Radiation therapy, a cancer treatment that uses targeted, high-energy X-rays to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells (physicians often combine radiation therapy with chemotherapy to increase the chances of organ preservation)
• A medical oncologist who treats laryngeal cancer utilizing chemotherapy or targeted therapy
• Your individualized treatment plan, which includes techniques to manage symptoms and side effects of laryngeal cancer
• Transoral laryngeal surgery such as transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), while allowing for laryngeal preservation and thus preserving speech and other vital laryngeal functions

If you have been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, your surgeon will explain all your treatment options and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Throughout your treatment, you will work closely with our dedicated, multidisciplinary team of specialists within the Northwell Health Cancer Institute in radiation oncology, chemotherapy and tumor-directed biologic therapies who collaborate to ensure seamless coordination of your care. Because every oral cancer diagnosis is unique, the physicians providing your treatment will meet regularly to share ideas and will review every step of your care.

Convenience is also a primary focus throughout your treatment, so every effort is made to provide services in one location. Northwell Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in America and the largest private employer in New York state. We provide professional services in every medical and related field in our 22 hospitals, outpatient centers and clinics (including five dedicated outpatient Northwell Health Cancer Centers) located throughout Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester and Staten Island. This geographic coverage allows us to offer world-class care in all of the communities we serve, keeping our patients close to home for the specialized services they need.

Transoral laryngeal surgery & open partial laryngectomy

Small tumors can often be treated with transoral laryngeal surgery (surgical removal through the mouth) using laser, robotic or standard microsurgical techniques. In some instances, open surgical procedures are used for partial larynx removal in order to eradicate disease. The larger a tumor gets, more of the larynx may need to be removed in order to completely eliminate the tumor. This may result in the impairment of important laryngeal functions such as breathing, speaking and protection against the aspiration of food. In the case of larger cancerous larynx tumors, radiation (or radiation combined with chemotherapy) is chosen as the definitive treatment strategy in order to cure the disease and maintain the form and important functions of the larynx.

Total laryngectomy

Sometimes a cancerous tumor of the larynx is very advanced, and the structure, form and function of the larynx is significantly impaired and/or destroyed by the disease. In this instance, the best treatment strategy is to remove the larynx in its entirety, which provides the highest chance of a cure and return to a good quality of life.

Lymph node removal (neck dissection)

Surgery for laryngeal cancer is often performed at the same time as removal of lymph nodes in the neck that may be noticeably involved by the cancer or at high risk of involvement. The removal of lymph nodes is performed using a cosmetically designed incision in the natural neck skin creases. Involved or high-risk lymph nodes can also be treated with radiation, or radiation combined with chemotherapy.

As part of your laryngeal cancer treatment plan, you also may have opportunities to participate in clinical trials. These trials study new chemotherapy drugs, radiation technologies and surgical approaches. While not every patient is a candidate for clinical trials, your care team will work with you to determine eligibility. 

Learn more about clinical trials at Northwell Health.

Because the throat is vital for breathing, talking and eating, patients may need additional time and resources to recover from throat cancer treatment. The members of the Head and Neck oncology team involved in the recovery and rehabilitation of throat cancer after treatment include:

• Nutritionists
• Speech and swallowing therapists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation

A cancer diagnosis brings a variety of challenges—from managing side effects to practical and emotional issues. At Northwell Health Cancer Institute, we offer a full range of integrated support services and resources to assist you and your caregivers throughout your cancer care.

You also can do things at home to make yourself feel better while you go through treatment. Contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit their website for more information.