How to cope with a laryngectomy: 7 tips for before and after the procedure
January 02, 2025
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Melanie Cavazos on January 02, 2025
You may experience a lot of different emotions if you've been told you need a laryngectomy, or the surgical removal of the voice box to treat larygeal cancer. You may also have a lot of questions, such as:
- What will I look like?
- Will people stare?
- Will they be afraid to talk to me?
- How am I going to communicate?
- Will people be able to understand me?
- How will this affect my daily life?
- Will I be able to take care of myself?
- Will emergency personnel know how to take care of me?
These questions and others may cause you to feel anxiety and sadness both before and after your laryngectomy. You may experience anger, frustration and resentment at the adjustments you're being forced to make. You may also feel that nobody understands what you’re going through.
But we want you to know that you are not alone. And, there are things you can do to make this experience more manageable.
Before your laryngectomy
Dealing with a laryngectomy isn’t a sprint. It’s more like a marathon; it's something you have to prepare for and learn to cope with gradually.
Use these tips to ease your mind before the procedure:
- Educate yourself: Find out exactly what will take place during your laryngectomy so you'll know what to expect.
- Ask questions: Write down any questions or concerns you might have and discuss them with your care team.
- Share the news: Notify your family and friends that you’ll be having a laryngectomy and when it will take place. That way, you can start lining up support early.
- Obtain a medical alert kit: These kits usually include some combination of wallet cards, window stickers, and an ID bracelet or necklace. They will alert emergency personnel that you now breathe through your neck, so they won’t be able to perform CPR on you after the procedure. They also warn first responders that you might not be able to speak in the event of an emergency. Order a kit online or ask your care team how to obtain one for free.
After your laryngectomy
Adjusting to life after a laryngectomy takes time, and patience is essential as you and others adjust to your new style of communication. Keep in mind that good communication depends on both the speaker and the listener. So, while it may take a little more effort from everyone involved, you can still communicate effectively.
Here’s what you can do to adapt and adjust during the days, weeks and months ahead.
Find what works for you
Not all communication devices and techniques will work for everyone. Your medical team can discuss which options are available. These might include:
- An electrolarynx: a small handheld device that generates a robotic voice
- A voice prosthesis: a surgically implanted device that creates vibrations in the esophagus; also known as a tracheo-esophageal puncture (TEP)
- Esophageal speech: the practice of swallowing air and deliberately controlling its release
- Electronic devices: tablets, keyboards and apps that can convert text to speech
- Low-tech: a small, portable dry-erase board, or basic pen and paper
Most patients can eventually speak using one of the first three methods. But you might turn to pen and paper right after surgery, simply because it’s easier. As you try out different options, though, some will become more comfortable than others. And, over time, you will find the one that works best for you.
Connect with others
You are now part of a small, but unique community. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to others.
myCancerConnection, MD Anderson’s one-on-one cancer support community for patients and caregivers, can put you in touch with other laryngeal cancer survivors — even if you’re not a patient at MD Anderson.
Relating to someone who’s been in your shoes can make all the difference. So, if you’re feeling isolated or having trouble adjusting, connect with another survivor to find comfort and guidance.
Live your life
You can still engage in your normal activities after a laryngectomy. You may have to make some adjustments, such as taking smaller bites of food or drinking more water as you eat, but you don’t have to stop enjoying your life.
If you have a highly specialized career, such as a professional musician who plays wind instruments, you might not be able to continue working in that particular field after a laryngectomy. But most patients can return to their jobs and do everything they were able to do before the procedure, with some adjustments.
Resources for managing life after a laryngectomy
The last thing to know if you’re still struggling to adjust to life after a laryngectomy is that help is available.
If you are an MD Anderson patient, here are some places you can find support. You can reach them directly via MyChart or phone, or ask for a referral from your care team.
- Social Work’s licensed counselors provide both individual and family therapy.
- Integrative Medicine takes a holistic approach to reducing pain and anxiety
- Supportive Care focuses specifically on improving patients’ quality of life.
- Psychiatric Oncology allows you to work with one of our licensed psychiatrists or advanced care practitioners.
- Speech pathologists are available through our Head and Neck Center.
- Support groups are available for both patients and caregivers, and we offer both virtual and in-person support groups.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
You don’t have to stop enjoying your life.
Melanie Cavazos
Senior Social Work Counselor