Symptoms of laryngeal cancer explained as radio host Jamie Theakston shares diagnosis
The Heart Breakfast host has said the prognosis is 'very positive' and he hopes to return to work in October
by PA, Sonia Sharma · ChronicleLiveHealth experts have outlined the signs of laryngeal cancer after Heart Breakfast host Jamie Theakston shared his diagnosis on social media.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday morning, the radio host, who presents the station's breakfast show alongside Amanda Holden, revealed he had been diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer. The 53-year-old said the prognosis was "very positive" and added that he hopes to return to Heart Radio in October.
Now experts have explained more about this form of cancer and the symptoms to look out for. Maxine Lenza, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said laryngeal cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the voice box (larynx).
The larynx is part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea) and plays an important role in helping you breathe and speak. Laryngeal cancer has five stages (stage zero, followed by stages one to four, often given in the Roman numerals I-IV) which describe the size of the cancer and whether it has spread.
"Stage 0 is where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the larynx, but they have not spread beyond the top layer of cells. There are usually no symptoms and this can be considered as pre-cancerous," explained professor Vijay Nayar, from Healthium Clinic. "Whereas stage IV, the most advanced stage, is when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, multiple lymph nodes, or invaded nearby structures."
There are more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer in the UK each year, according to the NHS. The condition is more common in men than women, and in people over the age of 60.
"The risk of developing cancer depends on many factors including your age, lifestyle, and environmental factors," explains Rachel Rawson, lead clinical nurse specialist at Perci Health. Lenza adds: "It's not always clear what causes laryngeal cancer, but there are ways you can reduce your risk, such as stopping smoking or drinking less alcohol."
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer
The larynx plays an important role in breathing, speaking, and swallowing, so the symptoms of laryngeal cancer are related to these functions. "Symptoms of laryngeal cancer can include a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and shortness of breath," says Lenza.
Nayar adds: "Other symptoms include a sore throat or the feeling of something stuck in the throat. There can also be earache, a persistent cough, or a lump in the neck."
The NHS website advises people who have had a hoarse voice for more than three weeks to get in touch with their GP. "It can be tempting to put changes to your body down to getting older or another health condition, but it's important to tell your doctor if you notice anything that's not normal for you, or isn't going away," advises Lenza. "In most cases it won't be cancer, but if it is, finding it at an early stage can make a real difference."
The NHS lists the following symptoms:
- a change in your voice, such as sounding hoarse
- pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- a lump or swelling in your neck
- a long-lasting cough or breathlessness
- a persistent sore throat or earache
- a high-pitched wheezing noise when you breathe
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
Some people may also experience bad breath, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue (extreme tiredness). More information is available here.
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