Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the larynx (voice box), most often in squamous cells lining the area. Common symptoms include persistent hoarseness, a chronic cough, a sore throat, ear pain, and difficulty or pain when swallowing. The biggest risk factors are smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, though workplace exposure and HPV are also contributing factors. Treatments include radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, with the effectiveness highly dependent on early diagnosis. Symptoms Persistent hoarseness or a sore throat that doesn't go away A chronic cough Pain or difficulty swallowing Ear pain A lump or mass in the neck Difficulty breathing or a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound Causes and risk factors Tobacco use and alcohol consumption: The combination of both is a major risk factor. Workplace exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, dusts, and fumes can increase risk. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is a risk factor for some head and neck cancers. Age and sex: It is more common in people over 55, and significantly more common in men, partly due to higher rates of smoking and heavy alcohol use in the past. Diet: A diet low in certain vitamins may also contribute. Diagnosis and treatment A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and may recommend further tests, such as a laryngoscopy to look inside the larynx, or imaging scans like CT or MRI. Early-stage laryngeal cancer can often be cured with surgery or radiotherapy alone. For more advanced cancers, treatment may involve a combination of surgery to remove all or part of the larynx, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery can affect the ability to speak and breathe in the usual way. You will need additional treatment, such as an implant or a speaking valve, to restore your voice. Survival rates The survival rate depends heavily on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. Laryngeal cancer that has not spread has a much better 5-year relative survival rate (around 84%) compared to cancer that has spread to distant regions (around 45%). Laryngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic Age: Laryngeal cancer happens more in people age 55 and older. Sex: Men are about five times more likely to develop this cancer, p... Cleveland Clinic Laryngeal Cancer Treatment - NCI 12 Feb 2025 — Laryngeal cancer forms in the tissues of the larynx (area of the throat that contains the vocal cords). The larynx incl... National Cancer Institute (.gov) Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Survival Rate 26 May 2023 — This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by. Beomjune B. Kim, DMD, MD, FACS, Head and Neck and Mic... Cancer Treatment Centers of America Show all

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Laryngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer that begins in the larynx (voice box) — the part of the throat involved in breathing, speaking, and swallowing. The larynx is located just below the pharynx (throat) and above the trachea (windpipe). Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they develop from the flat, thin cells that line the inside of the larynx.

This cancer is strongly linked to tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, but early detection can lead to excellent treatment outcomes.

Anatomy of the Larynx

The larynx is divided into three main regions:

  1. Glottis – Contains the vocal cords; the most common site for laryngeal cancer.

  2. Supraglottis – The area above the vocal cords.

  3. Subglottis – The area below the vocal cords, connecting to the trachea.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of laryngeal cancer is unknown, but several risk factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing it.

1. Tobacco Use

  • The leading cause of laryngeal cancer.

  • Includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and using chewing tobacco.

2. Alcohol Consumption

  • Heavy, long-term alcohol use increases risk, especially when combined with smoking.

3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

  • Certain strains of HPV (especially HPV-16) are linked to cancers of the throat and larynx.

4. Occupational Exposures

  • Exposure to asbestos, wood dust, coal dust, paint fumes, or certain chemicals can increase risk.

5. Poor Nutrition

  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables may reduce the body’s ability to fight off cancer-causing substances.

6. Age and Gender

  • Most common in men over the age of 55.

7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Chronic acid reflux can irritate the throat lining and increase cancer risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms can resemble common throat conditions, so they’re often ignored. Persistent symptoms for more than 2–3 weeks should prompt medical evaluation.

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent hoarseness or voice changes

  • Sore throat or feeling of something stuck in the throat

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

  • Chronic cough

  • Ear pain (referred pain)

  • Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing

  • Lump or swelling in the neck

  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Diagnosis

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

1. Physical Examination

  • Doctor examines the throat, larynx, and neck for lumps or abnormalities.

2. Laryngoscopy

  • A laryngoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera) is inserted through the mouth or nose to visualize the larynx.

3. Biopsy

  • A small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer.

4. Imaging Tests

  • CT scan, MRI, or PET scan help determine the size, extent, and spread of the cancer.

5. Staging

Once diagnosed, the cancer is classified into stages (I–IV) based on:

  • Size of the tumor (T)

  • Involvement of nearby lymph nodes (N)

  • Metastasis (M) — whether cancer has spread to other organs.

Stages of Laryngeal Cancer

Stage Description
Stage I Cancer limited to one part of the larynx; vocal cords move normally.
Stage II Cancer spread to nearby parts of the larynx but still limited.
Stage III Cancer affects vocal cord movement or spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV Cancer has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage, location, overall health, and whether the patient can still preserve their voice and swallowing function.

1. Surgery

  • Partial laryngectomy – Removes part of the larynx while preserving speech.

  • Total laryngectomy – Removes the entire larynx; the patient breathes through a stoma (opening in the neck).

  • Neck dissection – Removes affected lymph nodes.

  • Laser surgery – For small or early-stage tumors.

2. Radiation Therapy

  • High-energy X-rays or protons target and kill cancer cells.

  • Often used alone for early-stage cancer or combined with surgery or chemotherapy in advanced stages.

3. Chemotherapy

  • Uses drugs such as cisplatin or carboplatin to kill cancer cells.

  • Often combined with radiation (chemoradiation) for better outcomes.

4. Targeted Therapy

  • Cetuximab (Erbitux) targets the EGFR protein found on cancer cells to inhibit their growth.

5. Immunotherapy

  • For advanced or recurrent cases, drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo) help the immune system attack cancer cells.

Possible Complications

  • Voice loss (after total laryngectomy)

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Breathing problems

  • Changes in sense of taste and smell

  • Dry mouth (due to radiation)

  • Emotional distress and depression

Rehabilitation programs and speech therapy can help patients adapt and regain communication through devices or voice prostheses.

Prognosis

The prognosis for laryngeal cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis and the overall health of the patient.

Stage 5-Year Survival Rate (Approx.)
Stage I 80–90%
Stage II 70–80%
Stage III 50–60%
Stage IV 30–40%

Early detection offers the best chance for complete recovery and voice preservation.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of laryngeal cancer by:

  • Quitting smoking and avoiding all tobacco products

  • Limiting alcohol consumption

  • Maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

  • Practicing good oral hygiene

  • Treating acid reflux (GERD) early

  • Getting HPV vaccination (may lower risk)

Living with Laryngeal Cancer

After treatment, follow-up care is essential:

  • Regular check-ups to monitor for recurrence

  • Speech and swallowing therapy

  • Nutritional counseling

  • Emotional and psychological support

Support groups and counseling can help patients cope with physical and emotional changes after surgery or radiation.

Conclusion

Laryngeal cancer is a serious but potentially curable disease, especially when detected early. Advances in surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy have improved survival rates and quality of life for patients. Quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to prevention. Awareness and early medical attention for persistent throat symptoms can save lives.

Would you like me to create a shorter version (around 300–400 words) for your blog’s “quick read” section or include an FAQ section (like “Is laryngeal cancer painful?”, “Can voice be restored after surgery?”)?

 


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