🧠 Carcinoma of the Larynx — Quizlet-Ready Q&A

Q1. What is laryngeal carcinoma?

A. Cancer of the larynx that affects voice, breathing, and swallowing.

Q2. What causes it most often?

A. Smoking and drinking alcohol.

Q3. What other factors increase risk?

A. Poor diet, acid reflux, chemical exposure, and weak immunity.

Q4. Why is reflux harmful?

A. Acid irritates and damages laryngeal tissue over time.

Q5. What is the main early sign?

A. Hoarseness that doesn’t go away.

Q6. Name other symptoms.

A. Throat pain, ear pain, cough with blood, neck lump, trouble swallowing, or weight loss.

Q7. Why can ear pain occur?

A. Referred pain through the vagus nerve (CN X).

Q8. Which signs suggest an advanced case?

A. Airway blockage, neck mass, or severe pain.

Q9. What are the three cancer sites?

A. Supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic.

Q10. What does TNM mean?

A. Tumor size, Node involvement, Metastasis (spread).

Q11. What are main treatments?

A. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Q12. What happens in total laryngectomy?

A. The larynx is removed, so natural voice is lost.

Q13. Why is an SLP important?

A. To teach new ways to speak and swallow safely.

Q14. What should SLPs do before surgery?

A. Explain the surgery and voice options using visuals.

Q15. What is the focus after surgery?

A. Voice restoration, swallowing, and emotional support.

Q16. What can help patients communicate right after surgery?

A. Writing boards, gestures, or AAC apps.

Q17. What vibrates instead of vocal folds?

A. The pharyngoesophageal segment (PES).

Q18. How is air moved into the esophagus?

A. By injection or inhalation.

Q19. Pros and cons of esophageal speech?

A. ✅ No device, natural sound. ❌ Hard to learn, short phrases.

Q20. How does TEP speech work?

A. Air from lungs passes through a prosthesis to vibrate the PES.

Q21. What does it mean if food or liquid leaks?

A. The prosthesis is leaking and must be replaced.

Q22. Pros and cons of TEP speech?

A. ✅ Natural sound, longer speech. ❌ Requires cleaning and maintenance.

Q23. What is an electrolarynx?

A. A handheld device that makes vibrations for speech.

Q24. Pros and cons of electrolarynx?

A. ✅ Easy to use, quick voice return. ❌ Robotic sound, needs hand use.

Q25. How can SLPs improve electrolarynx speech?

A. Train articulation, pacing, and pausing.

Q26. What are SLP priorities after surgery?

A. Swallowing safety, stoma care, and communication training.

Q27. Who is part of the care team?

A. ENT, oncologist, SLP, nurse, dietitian, social worker.

Q28. Why is counseling important?

A. Losing one’s voice affects confidence and emotional health.