What to expect from tumour removal surgery for voice box cancer

A smaller operation may remove the tumour while preserving more of the voice box. A larger operation may require removal of the whole larynx and a permanent opening in the neck, called a stoma, for breathing. Neck lymph nodes may also be removed or examined. The surgeon will explain which approach fits the tumour’s location and extent.

After surgery, swelling and soreness can make swallowing difficult. A feeding tube may support nutrition while swallowing is assessed. A speech and language therapist can discuss voice rehabilitation, including an electrolarynx, writing, or a voice prosthesis when appropriate. Pathology results help guide further care.

Ask how the operation will affect your voice, breathing route, eating, and daily activities. Learn stoma care if one is planned, and arrange help with communication and meals. Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous anaesthesia problems, and any breathing or swallowing changes.

Follow instructions for stoma care, humidification, wound care, medicines, and feeding. Do not place ordinary water into a breathing stoma unless your team has shown you how. Attend voice and swallowing therapy, and keep reviews for pathology, wound healing, and rehabilitation.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, a blocked stoma, rapidly increasing neck swelling, or heavy bleeding. Contact the team promptly for feverishness, worsening wound redness, foul drainage, increasing pain, or repeated coughing during feeds. New inability to swallow saliva or signs of dehydration need urgent assessment.

Will the operation remove part or all of my larynx? Will I have a stoma or feeding tube? What voice options are available, and when can therapy begin? How will swallowing be tested? Which changes should prompt an emergency call?