Treatment of laryngeal cancer in Israeli clinics is conducted using advanced radiotherapeutic and surgical methods that allow for the disease to be cured while preserving the vocal cords as much as possible (either completely or partially). Our oncologists and oncological surgeons have extensive experience in treating this condition.
Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer in Israel – Main Methods
Radiotherapeutic and surgical methods are used to treat laryngeal cancer. Surgery is the most commonly used method. Depending on the stage of the disease and its spread, the operation is performed using various techniques and involves complete or partial removal of the cords. By combining radiotherapeutic and surgical methods, our oncologists manage to preserve healthy tissues of the vocal cords and larynx as much as possible.
- In the early stages of cancer, when pathological cells have not yet invaded surrounding tissues, excision of the upper layers of the vocal cord may be performed. Most patients retain the ability to speak normally after this procedure.
- For treating laryngeal cancer in the early stages, laser surgery may also be used – localization of the tumor is performed using an endoscope, after which the tumor is removed or vaporized using a laser. If part of the vocal cord is removed, this may lead to hoarseness.
- Chordectomy – removal of the vocal cord (complete or partial). Chordectomy is used to treat small or superficial malignant tumors of the vocal cords. The consequences of such intervention for the vocal apparatus depend on the volume of removed cord tissue. Partial removal of the cord may lead to hoarseness. If both vocal cords are removed, the patient loses the ability to speak.
- Partial laryngectomy is used to treat small tumors and aims to completely remove cancer-affected tissues while preserving as much healthy laryngeal and vocal cord tissue as possible. If only part of one of the vocal cords is removed, the patient may retain the ability to speak. This ability is also preserved in some patients who have undergone complete removal of half of the larynx (hemilaryngectomy).
- Complete laryngectomy – surgical removal of the larynx along with the vocal cords. This intervention is performed in the late stages of the disease when extirpation of a large volume of affected tissues is necessary. Since during the surgical intervention the larynx is severed from the trachea, a tracheostomy is performed to ensure breathing – the trachea is brought out through a stoma. After total laryngectomy, the patient loses the ability to speak.
Alongside surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer, reconstructive surgery may be performed to help the patient regain lost vocal functions. Thanks to advanced vascular microsurgery, Israeli doctors can stitch small blood vessels, which opens up wide possibilities for reconstructing lost vocal cord functions using tissues taken from other parts of the patient's body (intestinal tissues, muscle tissues, etc.).
In addition to reconstructive surgery for restoring the ability to speak (especially after total laryngectomy), voice-producing devices may be used. These are voice prostheses – devices capable of converting vibrations from the laryngeal muscles into sounds resembling the human voice. The use of voice prostheses allows for speech restoration in 95% of patients who have undergone complete laryngectomy.
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Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer
The complete diagnostic process at the Top Ichilov clinic takes 3 days. During this time, the patient undergoes all examinations and receives a personalized treatment program.
First Day – Arrival at the Clinic
The first day is dedicated to adapting to the new living conditions and the initial consultation with the leading specialist. From the airport, accompanied by a coordinator-translator, the patient is taken to the clinic and has a consultation with the leading oncologist. The doctor reviews the medical history and orders a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Second Day – Diagnosis
On the second day, a full range of examinations is conducted, which may include various types of diagnostics.
- Physical examination of the larynx and vocal cords using a small mirror and light source (laryngoscopy).
- Biopsy – taking a sample of the affected tissue for subsequent microscopic examination.
- Computed tomography – a series of images of the laryngeal area is taken from different angles using a tomograph. Contrast agents may be used before the procedure to enhance the visualization of laryngeal and vocal cord tissues in X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging – another type of tomography that is more informative.
- Positron emission tomography allows for the precise identification of malignant cells. PET-CT is the gold standard in examining cancer patients.
Third Day – Treatment Program
On the third day, a council is convened. The doctors, led by the leading specialist, analyze the results of the examinations and plan the treatment program. The patient may also participate in this process – their right to receive complete information regarding their diagnosis, chosen treatment method, and the right to seek a second opinion from an external specialist is guaranteed by Israeli law.
Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer in Israel – Cost
The cost of treating laryngeal cancer in Israel can vary – depending on the stage of the disease, the extent of the cancer process, and the number and complexity of planned treatment procedures. Generally, the cost of treating laryngeal cancer in Israeli clinics is 25-45% lower than in medical centers in the European Union, Canada, the USA, and other countries with developed healthcare systems.
Advantages of Treating Laryngeal Cancer at Our Clinic
- Professional oncologists, radiotherapists, and surgeons with extensive experience in treating this condition. Operations to remove malignant tumors of the vocal cords at our clinic are performed in the least traumatic way possible, aiming not only to treat the disease but also to preserve the patient's ability to speak afterward.
- Modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. The use of precise equipment allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment using minimally invasive surgical methods.
- Comfortable conditions during the stay at the clinic. The environment in the Top Ichilov wards is designed to ensure that patients do not experience discomfort.
- The medical staff of the clinic provides care and attention to the patient. Any changes in the patient's health and well-being are promptly noticed by our specialists, who take immediate action to rectify the situation.
- The entire process of diagnosis and treatment is overseen by a dedicated coordinator-translator assigned to the patient, who handles the translation of medical documentation, facilitates communication with doctors, and assists the patient with everyday matters.
Reviews of Laryngeal Cancer Treatment at the Top Ichilov Clinic
Reviews of laryngeal cancer treatment at our clinic are always positive. Patients who have regained their health thanks to the doctors at the Top Ichilov center express only words of gratitude in their letters.