Larynx is a part of the throat above the trachea, and consists of three parts, the supraglottis, which is located in the upper part, the glottis, which is the middle part in which the vocal cords are also located, and the hypoglottis, which is located in the lower part. The uncontrolled growth of cells in this area leads to the appearance of malignancy, i.e. cancer of the larynx. The greatest risk factor for laryngeal carcinoma is smoking, while alcohol consumption appears to have a synergistic effect, especially when these two habits are combined.

Laryngeal cancer: Where does it occur & what symptoms does it cause

The most common form of laryngeal cancer is found in the glottic area where the vocal cords are located, and is called glottic carcinoma. Next in frequency is the development of cancer in the supraglottic part. Glottic tumors most often present with hoarseness. Because very small tumors can cause a perceptible voice change, they can be detected much earlier than tumors elsewhere in the airway or upper aerodigestive tract. Advanced forms of glottis cancer cause dysphagia, sore throat, hemoptysis, otalgia, bad breath, or a palpable lump in the throat. Chordectomy is indicated for the surgical treatment of this form of cancer located in the vocal cords. During this operation, the affected part of the vocal cord, in which the cancerous mass is located, is removed.

Chordectomy: Indications and Surgical Process

Chordectomy is indicated for the treatment of dysplastic lesions and malignancies of the vocal cords, but also in cases of paralysis of the vocal cords. Chordectomy is performed by ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou either with traditional surgical techniques or endoscopically using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Chordectomy surgery with Laser CO2 is indicated for the treatment of small tumors in the larynx area.

Endoscopic laser chordectomy: Application indications

Endoscopic CO2 laser chordectomy aims to remove the part where the carcinoma is located without affecting the main part of the larynx. This specific operation requires detailed and precise handling to avoid damage to the vocal cords. The resection performed is proportional to the size of the lesion, while the endoscopic tools allow viewing the lesion under magnification. The tumor is removed with absolute precision, without causing damage to the surrounding tissue, while the possibility of cancer metastasis is significantly reduced. CO2 Laser chordectomy is a painless procedure without leaving scars, the patient does not show any swelling in the area and the hospitalization lasts only one day.

Laser is also used in cases of paralysis of the vocal cords usually as a complication of the removal of the thyroid gland. The patient has severe shortness of breath because the paralyzed vocal cords remain closed. Consequently, it is indicated to remove a part of one vocal cord in order to widen the glottis and facilitate breathing. This operation is important to be carried out with utmost care to avoid causing permanent damage in the production of the voice.