Vocal Cord Cancer Surgeon in Los Angeles

Cancerous and precancerous growths of the vocal cords continue to be a major cause of chronic hoarseness. While these growths predominantly affect smokers, they also occur in non-smokers. Often non-smokers may have other risk factors, including second-hand smoke, occupational chemical or irritant exposure. Any hoarseness lasting more than 4 weeks absolutely needs to be investigated with an otolaryngologist. 

Approximatley 12,000 people are diagnosed with voice box cancer annually in the United States.  If diagnosed early and treated with either surgery or radiation, the cure rate is excellent.

Smoking and the Voice

Do you smoke?

Suprisingly, I see few patients in my practice that are smokers. This is fortunate, as more than 90% of laryngeal cancers occur in smokers. Unfortunately, the tissue damage from smoking persists for decades after quitting. Some patients develop smoking-related cancers many years after quitting.

In addition to cancer, smoke causes inflammation and swelling, polyp formation, and precancerous changes of the vocal cords.

We know very little about the effects of marijuana smoke on the vocal cords, though I suspect it is equally dangerous as cigarette smoke.