Esophageal Cancer Vocal Cord Paralysis

Health & FitnessCancer / Illness

  • Author Ian Eallard
  • Published October 20, 2010
  • Word count 559

The patients suffering from esophageal cancer can under go treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc. Due to surgical iatrogenic injury to the vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve, unilateral vocal fold paralysis is caused. The differential diagnosis for an acute unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) should always include recent upper respiratory tract or viral infection and recent intubations for any surgical procedure.

The vocal cords are a pair of tough and fibrous bands which lie across the air column in the middle of the voice box. These vocal cords help in three functions such as speaking, breathing and swallowing. When the vocal cords start vibrating they will produce sound which allows us to speak. During coughing and expelling of foreign particles or objects, the vocal cord will temporarily stop breathing.

While swallowing the food, the vocal cord shuts the air passage and ensures that the food is not inhaled. When the vocal cords are paralyzed then all the three functions are affected. The vocal cords can be either partially paralyzed on one side or completely paralyzed on both the sides. The relaxed position of the vocal cords is always half way open.

Vocal cord paralysis is the inability to move the vocal cords and it results in the loss of vocal cord functions. The vocal cord paralysis can result due to the injuries, tumor or surgery in the neck and upper chest. The infectious diseases that damage the nerves such as tetanus, polio, whooping cough, brain tumors, stroke etc can cause vocal cord paralysis.

Among all forms, the most dangerous form of vocal cord paralysis is the one which affects the opening function controlled by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. When both the vocal cords are paralyzed then the breathing process stops or sometimes becomes much labored. The vocal cord paralysis produces many symptoms. The swallowing process may be hindered and so that the food ends up in the air way which may cause violent coughing and also leading to pneumonia.

The voice is also affected and also the breathing process becomes difficult. The breathing process is obstructed on inspiration and it produces a condition known as strider. Closing the air passage while breathing in, will produce creaking noise in the throat and also changes the shape of the chest.

A viewing instrument called a laryngoscope (may be rigid or flexible) is passed through the nose or throat until the cords become visible. The other problems in that area are also identified by the motion of each cord. The voice box must be observed mainly for characterizing the problem.

An endotracheal tube in the wind pipe is necessary for providing adequate air way. If the cure is not achieved in this method then a permanent breathing hole is cut in the neck (tracheotomy). Also care must be taken to confirm that swallowing takes place normally. Alternative treatment method like homeopathy or botanical medicine will also help in healing this disease.

Natural Remedies:

There are certain natural remedies that offer a promising cure for esophageal cancer. Along with the natural remedies and a well-researched different diet pattern, a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference to your efforts for prolonging the life for several years. You can increase your chances of surviving esophagus cancer now by trying these proven natural remedies discussed in http://cancernaturalremedies.com

Improve your survival chances to a great extent. Beat the deadly disease with the help of natural remedies. Visit the promising natural cure for esophageal cancer to get rid of the killer disease completely.

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