Before surgery or radiotherapy, your teeth will need to be checked by a dentist. Any decay will have to be treated, and unhealthy teeth removed.

Laser surgery

The surgeon uses a laser light beam to remove the cancer while you are under a general anaesthetic. You will need to be in hospital for a day or two to have the treatment. You may be asked to rest your voice after the surgery. You may have some pain in your throat, but it should not last more than a few days.

You will be able to return to work within a few days. You will still have your voice, although it may never return to normal completely.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells. For cancer of the larynx, it is given from outside the body. A machine directs high energy X-rays at the cancer. This is called external beam radiotherapy. Usually, treatment is given at several sessions each week, over about four to six weeks.

Before the treatment starts, a mould of your head and neck will need to be made. From it, a transparent plastic shell is made to keep your head and neck still during each treatment. Guide marks are put on the shell so that every treatment dose is exactly targeted at the cancer.

You will also have to visit the radiotherapy department to plan the treatment position. This is done with a machine called a simulator that looks and moves like the treatment machine. You may also have a CT scan.

The treatment may make you feel tired, and cause some problems such as a sore, dry, mouth and throat. Swallowing may be more difficult and you may have to adjust your diet to softer foods. You will have regular check-ups during radiotherapy, where you will get help and advice on how to relieve the side-effects. They will ease over time, but it will take many months and they may not ever go completely. You will still have your voice, although it may never return to normal completely.

Speech and language therapists can also help you with voice and swallowing problems during and following these treatments. You can ask your doctor to refer you, or contact the speech and language therapy department at your hospital.