Hi all, first post for me. I've been diagnosed with stage 1 cancer of the vocal cord but as it's an apparently rare Sarcomatoid Spindle Cell cancer the MDT is favouring a partial laryngectomy, removing both vocal cords and presumably more around it. I'd need a temporary tracheoctomy for the swelling but they intend for it to be removed and I will have a low 'breathy' voice following SLT.
The recommendation was apparently around 60/40 over radiotherapy due to the cancer type possibly being resistant to radiotherapy, its aggressive nature, the possibility it has already spread and they just can't see it on the scans, the risk of requiring a total laryngectomy if it didn't work (I believe the partial would be off the table due to the damage radiotherapy would cause) and, because I'm in my early 40's, the long term risk of further cancer caused by the radiation.
My question is in two parts - has anyone else been presented with a similar choice? If so, what did you opt for and what was the outcome?
Secondly, can anyone who has had similar surgery give me a little guidance? It's so hard to find any information on partial laryngectomies online.
My job relies heavily on being able to speak so apart from the health worry, I'm worried about my career at the same time.
