Our Summary

This study compares the impact of two types of surgeries for throat cancer - total and partial laryngectomy - on patients’ personal lives and sexual experiences. It involved 31 patients who had partial laryngectomy (Group 1) and 51 patients who had total laryngectomy (Group 2). The researchers used two questionnaires to measure the patients’ experiences: the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, which focuses on head and neck cancer, and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX).

The patients who had total laryngectomy (Group 2) reported more problems in areas like swallowing, sensing, speaking, social eating, sexual activity, teeth problems, opening their mouth, and coughing. But when it came to the Arizona test, which measures sexual experiences, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

In other words, total laryngectomy seems to have more impact on various aspects of life, but both types of surgeries have a similar impact on sexual experiences.

FAQs

  1. What are the key differences in patient experiences between total and partial laryngectomy?
  2. How were the impacts of total and partial laryngectomy on patients’ lives measured in this study?
  3. Did the type of laryngectomy have a different impact on patients’ sexual experiences as per the study?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important to discuss these potential challenges with your doctor and healthcare team so they can provide you with support and resources to help manage any difficulties that may arise after laryngectomy. Additionally, seeking counseling or support groups specific to laryngectomy patients can also be beneficial in coping with the physical and emotional changes that may occur.

Suitable For

Patients with advanced throat cancer or laryngeal cancer that cannot be treated with other methods such as radiation or chemotherapy are typically recommended laryngectomy. This may include patients with tumors that are large, have spread to surrounding tissues, or have not responded to other treatments. Additionally, patients with recurrent cancer in the larynx or throat may also be recommended for laryngectomy.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  1. Diagnosis of throat cancer: The patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent sore throat, leading to a visit to the doctor for further evaluation.

  2. Treatment planning: After a diagnosis is confirmed, the patient will work with a team of healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

  3. Preoperative evaluation: Before the surgery, the patient will undergo various tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and ensure they are ready for the procedure.

  4. Laryngectomy surgery: During the surgery, the patient’s larynx (voice box) is removed either partially or completely, depending on the extent of the cancer.

After laryngectomy:

  1. Recovery: The patient will spend time in the hospital recovering from the surgery, which may involve pain management, wound care, and learning how to care for their stoma (opening in the neck).

  2. Voice rehabilitation: For patients who undergo total laryngectomy, they will need to learn new ways to communicate, such as using a voice prosthesis, speech therapy, or non-verbal communication methods.

  3. Swallowing and eating: Patients may experience difficulty swallowing and eating after laryngectomy, and may require modifications to their diet or assistance from a speech therapist.

  4. Adjusting to life without a larynx: Patients may need to make lifestyle changes to adapt to their new way of speaking, breathing, and swallowing. This may involve counseling, support groups, and ongoing medical care.

  5. Follow-up care: Patients will need regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence, manage any complications from the surgery, and address any ongoing concerns related to their laryngectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about laryngectomy based on this study may include:

  1. What are the potential long-term effects on my swallowing, sensing, speaking, and social eating if I undergo a total laryngectomy?
  2. How common are issues such as teeth problems, opening the mouth, and coughing after a total laryngectomy?
  3. What can I expect in terms of my sexual activity after a laryngectomy?
  4. Are there specific strategies or treatments to address any potential challenges with sexual activity following a laryngectomy?
  5. How can I manage any difficulties with swallowing, sensing, speaking, or social eating that may arise after the surgery?
  6. Are there support groups or resources available for individuals who have undergone a laryngectomy to help cope with the physical and emotional challenges?

Reference

Authors: Akil F, Yollu U, Toprak SF, Ayral M. Journal: Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2017 Aug;37(4):276-280. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-760. PMID: 28872157