After treatment for laryngeal cancer

What follow-up do I need?

No matter what type of cancer treatment you have, you will still need regular check-ups once it is over. This is called follow-up.

The follow-up may involve having a physical exam, blood tests and scans. The doctor may also want to look inside your throat using a thin, flexible telescope (fibre-optic endoscope), which is inserted into your nose or your stoma.

If you are between check-ups and have a symptom or problem that is worrying you, contact your doctor or specialist nurse for advice and to make an appointment, if necessary.

If you become suddenly unwell and can’t contact your specialist nurse or hospital team, go to your GP or the emergency department at the hospital.

What if the cancer comes back?

If the cancer comes back in the larynx or somewhere else, you can still have treatment, or you may be suitable for a clinical trial. You may also have treatment to manage any symptoms from your cancer. This is called symptom control or palliative care.