Every year in the United Kingdom, more than 2,000 new instances of laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ are ᴅɪᴀɢɴᴏsᴇᴅ.
Jamie Theakston, a Heart Radio announcer, stated that he was ᴅɪᴀɢɴᴏsᴇᴅ with Stage 1 laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ after listeners detected a ‘change’ in his voice.
Laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ affects the larynx, commonly known as the voice box, which is the portion of the throat that connects to the windpipe.
According to the NHS, more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ are ᴅɪᴀɢɴᴏsᴇᴅ in the UK each year, and there are a few more potential signs to be aware of.
On Tuesday (17 September), Theakston took to social media to thank listeners for encouraging him to get checked out.
The 53-year-old wrote: “The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ. So… I have ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ… but ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ doesn’t have me!
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.
“Until then, I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK (Jason King) and Amanda (Holden).
“Big thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and when I next see you, I’ve got a great story to tell … Jamie x.”
A change in voice is one of the signs that could indicate laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ.
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What are the symptoms of laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ?
In addition to a hoarse voice, the NHS adds that other symptoms include:
- 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 persons may also get poor breath, accidental weight loss, or weariness.
How is laryngeal ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ treated?
The basic treatment options include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and sᴜʀɢᴇʀʏ.
When ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ is detected early, sᴜʀɢᴇʀʏ can often remove the malignant cells from the larynx.
If the ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ has advanced, a combination of treatment and surgery may be necessary.
Earlier this month, Theakston stated that remarks from fans prompted him to get his voice checked out after they observed it sounded different on broadcast.
He wrote on Instagram on 1 September: “Sooo – a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks – I’ve got you to thank… got it checked.
“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I’ve had removed this weekend – thanks for all the kind messages – should be back on my feet soon.”
And while he recovers, Amanda Holden revealed that he had ‘one request’ for them while he was away.
