Growth rate of throat tumors.

[carina12]

hi,I'd like to know how quickly does throat cancer(located on the vocal cord) grows.My mother has been diagnosed with this,and well,the doctor told her she's still in the early stages,but she needs to wait about a month before she can get an appointement with the specialist(who is off on vacation).

Im wondering how much it will grow from now until a month...what is the growth rate of tumors in this area? And also,if she has to do an operation,what are the side effects that will appear post-surgery and how long will they last?

Thank you
  

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

Hi,

In general tumors do not grow rapidly and waiting one month is not too long.  However, if you are concerned, you can find another ENT specialist who could see your mother earlier.

If the lesion on the vocal chords are small, you can preserve the vocal cords and your mother will have a hoarse voice, but that will improve.

However, without more information, I cannot tell if your mother will need more extensive surgery

[nde]

good question!  I hope someone answers your question soon!
(this is exatcly why I came on here! we share the same exact question!)