Treatment of laryngeal cancer in Israeli clinics is conducted using advanced radiotherapeutic and surgical methods that allow for the cure of the disease while preserving the vocal cords as much as possible (either completely or partially). Our oncologists and oncological surgeons have immense 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 zero stages of cancer, when pathological cells have not yet penetrated 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 the treatment of laryngeal cancer at early stages, laser surgery may also be used – localization of the tumour is performed using an endoscope, after which the tumour is removed or vaporized with a laser. If part of the vocal cord is removed during this procedure, it may lead to hoarseness of voice.
- Chordectomy – removal of the vocal cord (complete or partial). Chordectomy is used to treat small or superficial malignant tumours of the vocal cords. The consequences of such intervention for the vocal apparatus depend on the volume of removed cord tissues. Partial removal of the cord may lead to hoarseness of voice. In the case of removal of both vocal cords, the patient loses the ability to speak.
- Partial laryngectomy is used to treat small tumours 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 at late stages of the disease when extirpation of a large volume of affected tissues is necessary. Since the larynx is cut off from the trachea during the surgical intervention, a tracheostomy is performed to ensure the breathing process – the trachea is brought outside through a tracheostomy. After total laryngectomy, the patient loses the ability to speak.
Alongside surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer, reconstructive surgery may be performed, which will allow the patient to restore lost vocal functions. Thanks to advanced vascular microsurgery, Israeli doctors can stitch small blood vessels, opening up wide opportunities for reconstructing lost functions of the vocal cords 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. They are voice prostheses – devices capable of converting vibrations from the laryngeal muscles into sounds of the human voice. The use of voice prostheses allows for speech restoration in 95% of patients who have undergone complete laryngectomy.
Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer
The complete diagnostic process at Top Ichilov clinic takes 3 days. During this time, the patient undergoes all examinations and receives an individually tailored treatment program.
First Day – Arrival at the Clinic
The first day is dedicated to adapting to the new living conditions and the first consultation with the leading specialist. From the airport, accompanied by a coordinator-translator, the patient is taken to the clinic and undergoes a consultation with the leading oncologist. The doctor studies the medical history and prescribes 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. Prior to the procedure, contrast agents may be used – substances administered to the patient to enhance the visualization of laryngeal and vocal cord tissues in X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging – another type of tomography, 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 involved, 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, the 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 price for laryngeal cancer treatment in Israel can vary – depending on the stage of the disease, the extent of the cancer process, the number and complexity of planned treatment procedures. In general, the cost of laryngeal cancer treatment 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 Laryngeal Cancer Treatment at Our Clinic
- Professional oncologists, radiotherapists, and surgeons with extensive experience in treating this condition. Operations to remove malignant tumours of the vocal cords at our clinic are performed in the least traumatic manner, aiming not only to treat the disease but also to preserve the patient's ability to speak in the future.
- Modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. The use of precise equipment allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment using minimally invasive surgical methods.
- Comfortable conditions for staying in the clinic. The environment in the rooms at Top Ichilov is designed so that the patient does not experience discomfort.
- The medical staff of the clinic surrounds the patient with care and attention. The slightest changes in the patient's health and well-being do not go unnoticed by our specialists, who immediately take measures to rectify the situation.
- The entire process of diagnosis and treatment is supervised by a personally assigned curator-translator, who handles the translation of medical documentation, facilitates interaction with doctors, and assists the patient with everyday issues.
Reviews of Laryngeal Cancer Treatment at Top Ichilov Clinic
Reviews of laryngeal cancer treatment at our clinic are always positive. Patients whom the doctors at Top Ichilov center have restored health express only words of gratitude in their letters.