A benign laryngeal tumor is a noncancerous growth found in the throat that can occur in anyone. These tumors are generally not harmful and are associated with good health outcomes due to their noncancerous characteristics. An early sign of these tumors is usually a rough or hoarse voice, so if your chat at Rao’s Baker & Coffee Café has been interrupted by a scratchy voice, keep reading for more information.
Benign laryngeal tumors arise from cell mutations in the larynx, also known as the voice box, where the vocal cords are located. The primary difference between these benign growths and cancerous ones is that they typically do not spread to other parts of the body. Vocal polyps are the most common type of benign laryngeal tumors.
Signs of Benign Laryngeal Tumors
Although a hoarse voice is often the first sign, several other symptoms can indicate the presence of a benign laryngeal tumor. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to quickly reach out to your doctor as early detection can lead to more effective treatment.
Symptoms can include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Earache
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in voice or a breathy voice
- Coughing up blood
To confirm a diagnosis of a benign laryngeal tumor, your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes. They will take your medical history, carry out a physical examination and may perform several tests such as a CT scan, biopsy or laryngoscopy.
Treatment Options
Surgical removal is generally the best treatment option for benign laryngeal tumors. It’s crucial to remove these growths as they can grow larger over time and possibly obstruct the airway. Moreover, some types of tumors can become cancerous over time, even if they were not initially cancerous. Some tumors may reappear, requiring multiple surgeries. While surgery does carry some risk, the overall health outcome after a benign laryngeal tumor diagnosis is usually good.
For questions related to your ear, nose or throat health, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP to schedule an appointment.
