Patient page
Life After Treatment
How recovery and adjustment may continue after treatment, including emotional wellbeing, confidence, work, relationships, and living with lasting changes.
Patient information
Surgery for Laryngeal Cancer
An overview of the operations used to treat laryngeal cancer, what recovery may involve, and how speech, breathing, and swallowing may be affected.
There are different types of surgery used to treat laryngeal cancer. Some operations aim to preserve the voice box, while others involve removing part or all of the larynx.
Your surgeon will explain which operation is recommended, why it is recommended, what the operation involves, and how recovery may affect your voice, swallowing, and breathing.
Types of surgery
The type of surgery offered depends on the size and location of the cancer and whether it has spread.
Transoral laser surgery
This operation is performed through the mouth without an external cut to the neck. A laser is used to remove the cancer while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.
Partial laryngectomy
In a partial laryngectomy, part of the larynx is removed while preserving some speech and swallowing function.
Total laryngectomy
In a total laryngectomy, the whole voice box is removed. Breathing then takes place through a permanent opening in the neck called a stoma.
This is a major change, and it is normal to need time and support to adjust.
Neck dissection
Some people also need surgery to remove lymph nodes from the neck if there is concern that the cancer may have spread there.
Recovering after surgery
Recovery varies depending on the operation you have had. You may experience:
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Changes to speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tiredness and fatigue
Your team will help you with eating and drinking, wound care, pain relief, discharge planning, and stoma care if needed.
Speaking after surgery
Some people have temporary voice changes, while others need new ways of communicating. If you have a total laryngectomy, speech may be restored in different ways, including:
- Voice prosthesis
- Electrolarynx
- Oesophageal speech
Speech and language therapists play a vital role in helping you find the communication method that suits you best and regain confidence.
Related resources
Related pages
Patient page
Radiotherapy and Chemoradiotherapy
What radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy involve, how treatment is planned, and which side effects patients may experience during treatment.
Patient page
Recovery at Home After Treatment
What patients and families may need to plan for at home after treatment, including rest, symptom monitoring, follow-up, and day-to-day practical support.
Videos
Video resource
Care of Laryngectomy
An introductory video for patients and carers covering laryngectomy care and the practical points to understand early in recovery.
Video resource
Coping with a Laryngectomy and Unexpected Stoma Care
An example patient-experience video about adapting after laryngectomy and managing unexpected aspects of recovery and stoma care.
Video resource
Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Stoma Care
An example stoma-care video showing the kind of practical support material that can be surfaced alongside patient information pages.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked question
What is a laryngectomy?
A brief explanation of what a laryngectomy is, why it may be recommended, and what it means for breathing and communication.
Frequently asked question
Will I be able to eat normally again?
Many people return to eating and drinking, although some continue to have swallowing difficulties or need support for longer.
Frequently asked question
Will I lose my voice?
Whether voice changes happen depends on the type of cancer and treatment, and not everyone loses their voice.