Laryngeal Cancer and Your Elderly Loved One

By Julie McCormick, Co-Owner | September 16, 2025 | Comments Off on Laryngeal Cancer and Your Elderly Loved One
Speech Therapy in Manassas City VA

Speech Therapy in Manassas City VA

Caring for an elderly loved one who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer can be overwhelming, both emotionally and practically. One of the most important aspects of recovery and quality of life after treatment is the ability to communicate effectively. This is where speech therapy plays a vital role, helping patients regain confidence, adapt to changes, and continue engaging with family and friends despite the challenges posed by this disease.

What is Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the larynx or what is also called the voice box. Cancerous cells can begin to grow in one of three areas of the voice box – the area above the vocal cords, the middle portion that contains the vocal cords, or the area of the windpipe that is directly below the vocal cords. These cancerous cells rapidly multiply and destroy the healthy cells and tissue around the area.

Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer

The good news is that laryngeal cancers are being diagnosed less often thanks to the reduction of smoking in the United States, but it still accounts for about 20 percent of all neck and head cancers. Smoking is one of the main causes of laryngeal cancer and while many younger Americans now abstain from smoking, many older individuals who either still smoke or smoked heavily in their younger years are at a great risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Other factors that may increase your loved one’s risk of developing the disease include having silent reflux where the stomach acids spill into the voice box, being a heavy alcohol drinker, or being infected by the human papillomavirus. If your elderly loved one is a man over the age of 65, he’s also more at risk, especially if he has any other of the risk factors.

Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms

Many symptoms of laryngeal cancer can be overlooked in the beginning stages as the person suspects they are caused by other common factors like allergies, a head cold, or a typical sore throat. If your elderly loved one has any of these symptoms and they do not improve and he has multiple risk factors, plan a doctor visit to rule out the cause of his symptoms.

  • His voice is hoarse.
  • He has a sore throat or cough that doesn’t improve.
  • It’s painful when he swallows.
  • He can feel a lump in his throat.
  • He has ear pain.

Supporting Your Loved One’s Recovery from Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is most often treated with radiation and surgery. Your loved one may need to have his entire voice box removed or a part of it depending on what stage the cancer was caught at and his other risk factors. This can be a frightening time for your loved one as he tries to imagine what it might be like to live without his voice box.

After his initial healing, your loved one will need speech therapy. Because of his weakened immune system, he might appreciate being able to receive his speech therapy at home. Many speech therapists now can offer their services in the home, helping your loved one to be more comfortable in his surroundings as he learns how to manage the changes that have occurred due to the surgery and treatment. For many patients, at-home speech therapy removes the barriers that going to a local clinic may provide such as a need for transportation and chaperoning.

Your loved one may have a long road ahead of him and his future may look much differently than he expected, but the survival rate for those who catch their laryngeal cancer early is increasing each year as advancements in medicine are made and enjoying all that life has to offer after surgery is still well within his grasp.

Source: American Cancer Society

If you or an aging loved one are considering speech therapy in Manassas City, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.

Julie McCormick, Co-Owner
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