Stage 3 laryngeal (throat) cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the larynx to nearby tissues, muscles, or lymph nodes but not to distant parts of the body.
The term “stage” in the context of cancer refers to the extent or severity of cancer based on factors such as the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby tissues, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Two common staging systems are the number staging system and the TNM staging system, which stands for:
- Tumor: the size of the tumor
- Node: whether there are cancer cells in the lymph nodes
- Metastasis: whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
Stage 3 laryngeal cancer can vary depending on which part of the larynx the cancer began in. Laryngeal cancer can begin in the:
- supraglottis, which is the area above the vocal cords
- glottis, which is the area including the vocal cords
- subglottis, which is the area below the vocal cords
This article looks at what people should know about stage 3 laryngeal cancer.
Doctors define stage 3 supraglottic cancer in the
| TNM staging | Description |
|---|---|
| T3 N0 M0 | The tumor has not spread beyond the larynx. However, it has caused a vocal cord to stop moving. Alternatively, the tumor is growing into nearby areas, such as the: • postcricoid area • paraglottic space • pre-epiglottic tissues • inner part of the thyroid cartilage The cancer has not yet spread to the nearby lymph nodes or to distant areas of the body. |
| T1 to T3 N1 M0 | The tumor may have spread to nearby structures and may have affected a vocal cord. The cancer has not yet spread to distant parts of the body, but it has spread to a single lymph node and does not exceed 3 centimeters (cm) across. |
Doctors define stage 3 glottic cancer in the
| TNM staging | Description |
|---|---|
| T3 N0 M0 | The tumor has not spread beyond the larynx, but it has stopped a vocal cord from moving. Alternatively, the tumor is spreading into the paraglottic space or the inner part of the thyroid cartilage. The cancer has not yet spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant areas of the body. |
| T1 to T3 N1 M0 | The tumor may have spread into structures just outside the larynx and may have affected a vocal cord. The tumor has spread to a single lymph node and does not exceed 3 cm across. The cancer has not yet spread to distant parts of the body. |
Doctors define stage 3 subglottic cancer in the
| TNM staging | Description |
|---|---|
| T3 N0 M0 | The tumor has not spread beyond the larynx, but it has stopped a vocal cord from moving. Alternatively, the tumor is spreading into the paraglottic space or the inner part of the thyroid cartilage. The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant parts of the body. |
| T1 to T3 N1 M0 | The tumor may have spread into the nearby structures just outside of the larynx. It may have also affected a vocal cord. The cancer has spread into a nearby lymph node and does not exceed 3 cm across. The cancer has not spread to distant parts of the body. |
The outlook for stage 3 laryngeal cancer can depend on:
- the tumor’s size and location
- whether it has spread to lymph nodes or surrounding tissues
- the person’s overall health
- how well the cancer responds to treatment
The outlook for stage 3 laryngeal cancer is generally more cautious than for earlier stages because the cancer has typically spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes but not to distant parts of the body. Doctors classify this as regional cancer.
The 5-year relative survival rates for laryngeal cancer are
| Stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| localized | 78.9% |
| regional | 47.7% |
| distant | 34.4% |
This means that people with stage 3 laryngeal cancer are 47.7% as likely to live for another 5 years as people without this cancer are.
However, survival rates are based on data from several years ago and may not fully reflect the effectiveness of newer treatments.
Common symptoms of laryngeal cancer
- hoarseness or voice changes
- persistent sore throat
- a lump in the neck
- breathing difficulties
- ear pain
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- persistent cough
- unexplained weight loss
Diagnosing laryngeal cancer involves a series of steps.
The doctor will ask about symptoms and potential risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and family history of cancer.
During the physical examination, the doctor will look for abnormalities and may examine the throat using a small mirror or a lighted instrument.
A laryngoscopy allows the doctor to see the larynx and surrounding areas. There are
For an indirect laryngoscopy, a doctor uses a small mirror that they hold at the back of the throat.
A doctor can perform a direct laryngoscopy with a rigid or flexible scope. A person will usually receive anesthesia for this procedure. A direct laryngoscopy allows the doctor to get a better view.
During a direct laryngoscopy, a doctor may also perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope. This is the only definitive way to diagnose laryngeal cancer.
Imaging studies can help doctors determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread. These may include:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- PET scan
Doctors may use additional endoscopic procedures to examine the inside of the throat, windpipe, and lungs. These procedures can help them assess how far the cancer has spread.
The main goals of treatment are to eliminate the cancer, preserve a person’s voice when possible, and maintain the ability to swallow.
The choice of treatment for stage 3 laryngeal cancer is highly individualized. It is based on a thorough discussion between the person and the medical team regarding the benefits and risks of each option, the expected outcomes, and the person’s preferences.
One of the main treatment options is a surgical procedure called a laryngectomy. There are two types:
- Partial laryngectomy: This procedure, which involves removing part of the larynx, may be an option if the cancer is limited to one area. This can sometimes preserve the person’s ability to speak and breathe in typical ways.
- Total laryngectomy: This procedure involves removing the entire larynx. Surgeons are more likely to perform it to treat more extensive or recurrent cancers. After this surgery, a person will breathe through a stoma (an opening in the neck) and will need alternative methods for speech.
Treatment can
- a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- radiation therapy alone, if a person is unable to have chemotherapy and surgery
- chemotherapy followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and then a laryngectomy
- surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes
- surgery to remove the thyroid
A person can also take part in clinical trials.
The treatment plan may evolve over time, especially depending on how the cancer responds to initial treatments.
Speech therapy and other rehabilitation services are
Nutritional support and physical therapy might also be necessary to help manage side effects and maintain strength.
In addition to the team of medical professionals a person works with, a variety of other support resources exist,
- Psychologists and counselors: Mental health professionals can offer strategies to help a person cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Support groups: In person or online, support groups allow people to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, providing a platform to share stories, advice, and encouragement.
- Social workers: Social workers can assist people with practical issues such as navigating healthcare services, accessing financial support, and arranging home care or transportation to appointments.
- Cancer charities and organizations: These groups provide comprehensive information about laryngeal cancer, treatment options, side effects, and coping strategies. Examples include the
American Cancer Society , Cancer Research UK, and theNational Cancer Institute . - Local community centers: These centers may offer programs, workshops, and activities designed for people with cancer and their families.
Stage 3 laryngeal cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the larynx to nearby tissues, muscles, or lymph nodes but not to distant parts of the body. The exact definition of stage 3 laryngeal cancer can depend on where the cancer started.
The earlier doctors detect laryngeal cancer, the better the outlook is likely to be. Treatment can involve a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Continuous advancements in cancer treatment offer hope for better outcomes and increased chances of remission.