10 Things Your Competitors Can Teach You About Railroad Black Lung Disease

Laryngeal Cancer and the Railroad

Larynx cancers are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas. They develop slowly and are usually not seen by patients.

In cohort studies, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk to develop this type of cancer. These studies have covered various occupations and industrial activities.

Risk Factors

Rail workers transport 30 million people and 1.6 billion tons freight each year. They work in dangerous conditions which can increase their chances of contracting cancer and other illnesses. Railroad workers are exposed a variety of substances, such as diesel exhaust and coal smoke. They also use dangerous chemicals to clean their tracks and engines. These exposures increase the chance of contracting certain types cancers, such as laryngeal.

Studies of cohorts and case-control studies consistently reveal increased risk of laryngeal cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. These increases are due to cumulative and acute exposures, and some evidence suggests the risk is related to the extent of exposure to asbestos. In one study the risk of asbestos exposure was greater than the combined risk of drinking alcohol and smoking. Other studies have also reported similar findings and a few have also indicated that asbestos exposure is higher for men than women (Jemal and colleagues. 1998, Muscat and Wynder 1992).

Alcohol and tobacco consumption are also factors that can increase the chance of developing laryngeal carcinoma. A history of squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis may also be an indicator worker of risk. This type of cancer can be difficult to diagnose because it typically does not cause any symptoms in the beginning. There are certain warning signs and symptoms that you should never ignore and must always be examined by your doctor.

Symptoms

Laryngeal cancer happens the growth of cancerous cells in the area that assists you breathe, speak and swallow. The region is known as the larynx, and is located in your throat, at the top of your windpipe (trachea). Larynx cancers can begin in the supraglottis (where one third of laryngeal cancers start) or in the glottis (where two narrow bands vibrate to produce sound) or in the subglottis (where 5percent of laryngeal cancers start).

The most commonly reported symptom of laryngeal cancer is a voice that is hoarse. It could also be caused by viral infections. However, if your hoarseness lasts for more than three weeks you should see your doctor. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing or speaking, pain when swallowing or coughing. Sometimes, the cancer may grow to the lymph nodes of your neck.

Rail workers are more prone to develop laryngeal cancer due to the fact that they are exposed to toxic chemicals like perchloroethylene, which can irritate or harm the lining of their throat. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. Doran & Murphy recently settled a lawsuit on behalf of a railroad worker who was diagnosed with throat cancer after being exposed to asbestos and diesel exhaust while working on locomotive engines. He was a locomotive engine and machinist with thirty years of experience.

Diagnosis

A physical examination of the neck and throat can be used to determine laryngeal cancer. A doctor will examine the throat and neck for lumps and then use an instrument to examine the throat and larynx.

The doctor will also inquire about your medical background and whether you've been diagnosed with any other health issues. It is possible to undergo blood tests and an CT scanner to determine if cancer has developed.

The stage of cancer will tell your health care team whether it has spread to lymph glands. The stage of cancer can aid the team in deciding on the treatment you need.

Laryngeal cancer of the early stage is typically treated through surgery and radiotherapy. The procedure could involve removing parts or all of the larynx. Radiotherapy is a method of administering controlled doses to kill cancerous cell. It can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Laryngeal cancer is more frequent in men than women, and it happens more often among those who drink or smoke. It is more likely to affect people who have been exposed metals like beryllium and nickel during their work in industries that manufacture steel or burn fuel, like locomotive engineering. It is also more likely to occur in those who have been exposed to sulfuric acid mists from power plants or wood dust.

Treatment

The prognosis for laryngeal cancer is contingent on how large it appears when diagnosed, where it is located in the larynx and whether it has spread. It also depends on the type and severity (how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope) of the cancer.

The squamous cell lining the throat is where the cancer of the larynx typically starts. The cancers are slow-growing and are unlikely to grow in the initial stages. If the cancer progresses to stage 3, worker it could have grown into tissues near the larynx, like the thyroid or food pipe, or into nearby lymph nodes. It could also have spread to other parts of the body.

There are several types of treatment for laryngeal tumors based on its stage and type. If the cancer is in its early stages the use of radiation or surgery could be able to eliminate it.

Laser surgery, surgery with or without chemotherapy are options for more advanced cancers. Total laryngectomy is a surgical procedure that preserves voice for some patients with laryngeal carcinoma. This involves the removal of both the voice box and the cancer as well as neck lymph nodes.

Smokers and drinkers of alcohol are at greater risk for laryngeal carcinoma. People who have a family history have a higher chance of developing the disease. A balanced diet that includes vegetables and fruits, can reduce your risk.