After treatment for larynx cancer

Having and being treated for colorectal cancer will have an effect on your life. The side effects for particular types of treatment are described here, but there are also other things which you should be aware of.

Checkups

Your doctor will ask you to attend hospital at regular intervals during and after your treatment. You will be given a clinic appointment and these will probably become less frequent as time passes. Each time the doctor will examine you and ask you how you are feeling. Blood tests or X-rays may be repeated to check your recovery.

If you are worried about anything between your appointments, for example any unexplained aches and pains, please contact your hospital doctor.

Your family doctor will also have been sent details of your treatment and progress. It is important that you discuss anything unusual and don't worry needlessly. Please use your clinic appointment to discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery and return to your usual lifestyle.

Breathing

If you have your larynx removed, the opening in your throat (tracheostoma) will require special care. This is because the air you breathe will no longer be filtered by the mouth and the nose but will go straight into the lungs. You will also find that your sense of smell might be affected.

There are tips and techniques that can help and these will be explained to you by your speech therapist who is part of the team looking after you.

Speaking

It can be very difficult losing the ability to speak. You will have a speech therapist to help you as part of your treatment after your operation. Your speech therapist will be able to explain the different voice restoration techniques and recommend one that will be suitable for you.

Oesophageal speech, or a small valve known as a voice prosthesis, are among the options your speech therapist may recommend. You may be given an electrolarynx a device that when pressed against the chin produces an artificial voice.