After an examination in the voice laboratory, many patients expectantly wait to hear only those words, that they do not have cancer. When the carcinoma is identified as involving only the squamous epithelium cells of the vocal fold cover, it is called a carcinoma in situ. Later, the carcinoma cells will invade the deeper layers of the lamina propria, thyroarytenoid muscles and metastasize through the lymphatic system. The voice becomes progressively hoarse due to the extreme stiffness and increased mass of the vocal folds. A chronic cough and possible airway obstruction develops in later stages.
Treatment involves radiation, surgical removal of the host structures, or both.
The speech-language pathologist will work along with the physician, the patient and family in preparation for the surgery, and postsurgical rehabilitation of the voice. Verrucous Carcinoma Verrucous carcinoma is a rare form of squamous cell carcinoma that occurs in either the oral or laryngeal cavity. There is a characteristic whitish, cauliflower or coral appearance to the mass. Typically the lesion develops on the vocal folds of an elderly male who has been a heavy smoker of cigarettes. This malignacy is known for its slow growth pattern and well developed hyperkeratotic epithelial boundaries.