Follow-up after treatment for laryngeal cancer

Your follow-up check-ups will often continue for several years. If you have any problems or notice any new symptoms| in between appointments, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

For people whose treatment is over apart from regular check-ups, the section on life after cancer| gives useful information.

Making positive choices after treatment Back to top

Two things that may increase your risk| of cancer of the larynx coming back are smoking| and drinking alcohol|. Your cancer specialist or GP can advise you on your alcohol intake and give you information about how to stop smoking. There is also a free NHS smoking helpline| and QUIT|, which both give help and support if you are trying to give up smoking.

We also have information about eating well| if you have cancer, eating well after cancer treatment|, diet and caner|, and exercise.

Long-term or late effects of treatment Back to top

Some side effects that develop during treatment may take a long time to improve or may occasionally become permanent (long-term side effects). Other effects can develop many years after treatment has finished (late effects). You may not experience any late side effects at all, or they may range from being mild to more serious. Any side effects will depend upon the treatment you had. Always let your doctor know about any problems you are experiencing.

Possible long-term or late effects after treatment for laryngeal cancer include:

• Problems swallowing (dysphagia) - This can be caused by thickening (fibrosis) of the wall of the gullet (oesophagus), by narrowing of the gullet (stricture), and by a loss of sensation when swallowing. A speech and language therapist can provide help and advice with swallowing problems.
• Low levels of the thyroid hormone thryroxine (hypothyroidism) - This happens when radiotherapy treatment affects the nearby thyroid gland. You will have blood tests to monitor your thyroxine levels. If you develop this condition, you will be given thyroxine tablets.
• Lymphoedema - This is an abnormal collection of fluid called lymph that can cause swelling in the neck. It’s a rare side effect that can happen when lymph nodes have been removed by surgery and/or damaged by radiotherapy.