Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis for Radio and TV Presenter

Jamie Theakston, the well known and much loved presenter for Heart Radio, has revealed his diagnosis of stage 1 laryngeal cancer, after reporting to his GP that his voice had recently changed. He underwent the removal of a lesion from his vocal cords and is expected to return to radio in October. We wish Jamie a speedy recovery and look forward to hearing him back on the radio in the near future.

We want to take this opportunity to spread the word and raise awareness in respect of laryngeal cancer, as although relatively rare, it is something that is increasing in prevalence. Laryngeal cancer is cancer of the voice box. Current statistics show that in the UK, 2,000 people a year are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, most commonly occurring in men and people over 60 years old.

The NHS Website lists the primary symptoms as;

• A change in the way the voice sounds
• Pain when swallowing, a sore throat or earache
• A lump or swelling in the neck
• A long-lasting cough or breathlessness.

Laryngeal cancer is part of a group of cancers affecting the head and neck; other areas that it can affect are:

• Tongue;
• Mouth, gums and lips;
• Throat;
• Tonsils;
• Nose and sinuses;
• Salivary gland;
• Nasopharynx, which is the area at the back of the nose and mouth;

According to Cancer Research UK, there are 12,759 new cases of head and neck cancer each year on average and the incidence rate of head and neck cancer has increased by 35% since the early 1990s.

Unfortunately, anyone can be affected by head and neck cancers. However, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of their development, such as;

• Alcohol and tobacco use – in fact, 3 out of 4 head and neck cancers are linked to smoking and drinking
• Family History
• Diet
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Exposure to certain workplace related substances such as asbestos, wood and coal dust, and fumes.

The prognosis for such cancers depends on the type of cancer, the staging of the cancer and whether the cancer has metastasised, which means that it has spread to other parts of the body. Timely diagnosis is crucial; fortunately for Jamie, it appears that his cancer was diagnosed when at an early stage and so the prognosis appears to be good. However, this is not always the case and if there are delays with diagnosis, this can have catastrophic consequences.

Cancer Research UK advise that there are 4,143 deaths due to head and neck cancer each year and whilst some of these deaths will have been tragically unavoidable, a proportion of them will have been avoidable.

When a doctor or dentist sees a patient with symptoms which may be due to a head or neck cancer, they should refer the patient to the hospital. This is often done under the 2 week wait system, meaning that the specialist should see the patient within 2 weeks. They will then do investigations, which can include ultrasound scanning of the neck or using a camera (known as an endoscope) to look at the back of your mouth, nose, throat and voicebox. A biopsy is often taken from the area that looks abnormal, so that it can be looked at under a microscope for cancer cells.

Treatment varies depending on the type of cancer but often involve surgery to remove the tumour, following by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. It can also include targeted therapies or immunotherapy. A multi-disciplinary team will consider each patient and consider the most suitable treatment, depending on the type of cancer and the staging, but the patient will also be involved in the decision making process.

Here at Williamsons, we have experience in successfully representing clients with head and neck cancer, who have suffered substandard care and delays in diagnosis or treatment. We can also assist with representing and supporting bereaved families. Although we understand that nothing can undo a diagnosis of cancer, we can assist in obtaining compensation and the best future treatment, rehabilitation and care services.

If you or a loved one has been affected by substandard care, delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer, whether it is head and neck cancer or another type of cancer, please contact our Clinical Negligence Department on 01482 323697, who have the skills, knowledge and experience to assist.