About 12,000 new cases of cancer of the larynx are diagnosed each year. The cancer arises from the covering of the vocal cords. The use of tobacco products and alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. Symptoms may consist of a persistent hoarseness or change in the voice, trouble or pain when swallowing, a cough or sore throat that persists and ear pain. Sometimes, a lump in the neck is found due to spread of the cancer to the lymph nodes. The diagnosis is made by a doctor using an instrument called a laryngoscope followed by biopsy of the lesion.
Treatment depends of the stage of the cancer. In early cases, radiation or surgery can result in preserving parts of the voice box leading to a good result. However, in advanced instances where total surgery for removal of the larynx is done combined with radiation therapy a significant loss of voice can occur.
There are ways to restore speech using new devices. One method is called Tracheo-esophageal puncture where a one way valve connects the windpipe and the food pipe through a small puncture. One covers the opening with a finger to force air out of the mouth which produces sustained speech. Another method is to use an electrical device to produce a mechanical voice. However, it must be understood that these methods do not result in normal speech, but regardless if one is able to produce speech which can be understood, you would be denied benefits.
Social Security sets certain rules which will allow one to be granted benefits. In general, they are: 1. If the vocal cord malignancy is considered inoperable and cannot be surgically removed. 2. If there is recurrent evidence of cancer. 3. Spread(metastases) beyond regional lymph nodes. All your doctor’s treating notes must be sent to the state disability office including a biopsy report showing evidence of cancer.