What Is Laryngeal Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the larynx (voice box). The larynx helps you breathe, speak, and swallow. It houses your vocal cords, which create the sound of your voice. Laryngeal cancer can be curable, especially if it’s diagnosed and treated early. But even for more advanced forms of this cancer, the outlook can be favorable.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d1b87e8d-fca0-48f1-9c85-5d0b34212b46
Types of Laryngeal Cancer Types The larynx has three main parts, and laryngeal cancer can start in any one of them.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ec771701-22d9-43ff-b4b9-7a05cfa12f91 Supraglottis (upper part of the larynx): About 35 percent of laryngeal cancers start here. The supraglottis includes the epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that prevents food from getting into your windpipe when you swallow. It also houses a joint that helps the vocal cords move when you speak.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291920f291-fa7d-4195-937c-5c7de7b75107 Glottis (middle part of the larynx): Around 60 percent of laryngeal cancers start here. This is where the vocal cords are located. Subglottis (lower part of the larynx): Only about 5 percent of laryngeal cancers start here. Laryngeal cancers are also categorized based on the type of cells in which the cancer starts. Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This means they develop in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the larynx. Some less common types of laryngeal cancers include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629122790e9-c447-4de1-9c17-c00d2850d5ff Adenocarcinoma: This cancer affects the glandular cells of the larynx.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940784e7a-5760-49fc-89f1-448eed39e772 Neuroendocrine carcinoma: A type of cancer that starts in neuroendocrine cells that help control hormones and other functions. It’s typically aggressive.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293bb6ba54-e950-4ac4-b691-7808ffc5d125 Salivary gland cancer: It starts in the glands that make saliva. Sarcomas: These are cancers that develop in muscle, cartilage, or other soft tissues of the larynx. Sarcomatoid carcinoma: It has features of both squamous cell carcinomas and sarcomas. This type tends to grow and spread quickly.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e2be4799-90c4-49c0-9795-63574b0c3816 Verrucous carcinoma: A variant of squamous cell carcinoma, this slow-growing cancer looks like a warty growth.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629eccdc7ad-259e-4740-8dae-80865b77aa73
Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms Symptoms of laryngeal cancer often mimic those of other conditions. At first glance, the signs may be mistaken for something as simple as the common cold.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fbca317a-8829-4d27-9aa7-1df2f278925c Here are some symptoms to watch out for:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299562e816-b911-4e61-a8b0-07296e6967ab Hoarseness or voice changes that don’t go away A persistent sore throat or cough A lump in your throat or neck Trouble swallowing or painful swallowing Ear pain Trouble talking Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Coughing up blood
Causes and Risk Factors of Laryngeal Cancer Causes Laryngeal cancer occurs when normal cells in the voice box change and grow out of control. Certain factors can increase your chances of developing the cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629991477be-f1f6-494b-8fed-1c435c8ab8cc Risk factors for laryngeal cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f4d4fbb3-d327-4f88-81d2-a3ce41993c32 Smoking Smoking and tobacco use is the largest risk factor for laryngeal cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b583c7bb-a446-4566-a353-1196a6cbf048 Over time, harmful chemicals in tobacco damage the larynx. Heavy Alcohol Use Drinking a lot (more than one drink daily), especially combined with smoking, can greatly increase your risk of laryngeal cancer. HPV Some forms of the HPV virus, which can cause changes in throat cells, can lead to cancer. Age This type of cancer is more common in people ages 55 and older. Sex Men are five times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer than women. Higher rates of smoking and drinking in men may be part of the reason. History of Head and Neck Cancer People who have had head and neck cancer in the past are more likely to develop it again. Exposure to Harmful Chemicals Being exposed to substances, like asbestos, nickel, wood dust, mustard gas, or others could increase the chances of developing cancer in the larynx. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) People with GERD have a higher risk of laryngeal cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d0ca133d-fe11-4093-b9b2-c4a3c131c7b7
How Is Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosed? Diagnosis There is no screening test for laryngeal cancer, but detecting it early can lead to a better outcome. Doctors diagnose laryngeal cancer by using different tests. At first, they may perform a physical exam to look at the throat and neck. Other tests used to diagnose laryngeal cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913e79545-dcac-4553-b3a4-4027c6297e19 Imaging Scans like an X-ray , computed tomography (CT) , magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) , or positron emission tomography (PET) may be used to view the cancer in the body. Laryngoscopy A thin, lighted tube is placed into the throat to examine the larynx and vocal cords. Biopsy A small piece of tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory to be viewed under a microscope and tested. The results can confirm whether or not you have cancer. Staging Laryngeal Cancer Laryngeal cancer is staged based on the extent of the disease in the body. Laryngeal cancer stages include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913e79545-dcac-4553-b3a4-4027c6297e19 Early laryngeal cancer: This includes stages 0, 1, and 2. Generally, the tumor is small, and the cancer hasn’t spread outside of the larynx. Advanced laryngeal cancer: Stages 3 and 4 are considered advanced. The tumor is larger and affects the vocal cords or has spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment and Medication Options for Laryngeal Cancer Treatment Treatment will depend on the cancer stage, where the cancer is located in the larynx, the person’s overall health, and other factors. Sometimes, doctors will combine different therapies. Surgery Surgery to remove the tumor is a common treatment for laryngeal cancer. The type of surgery performed depends on where the cancer is located and how advanced it is. Surgical options for laryngeal cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629eb60ff2e-54fc-43f6-b4cc-60c3f3cdf049 Total Laryngectomy The entire larynx is removed, and the ability to breathe and talk is affected. A stoma (a permanent hole in your neck) will be placed to help with breathing, and speech and language therapy will be required to learn new ways of communicating with other people.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296739c539-570c-47b6-81de-73a58374a0bf Partial Laryngectomy A part of the larynx is removed. People have the ability to talk after a partial laryngectomy. Hemilaryngectomy Half of the larynx is removed. This procedure saves the voice. Cordectomy All or part of a vocal cord is removed. Supraglottic Laryngectomy The upper part of the larynx is removed. Thyroidectomy All or part of the thyroid gland is removed . Laser Surgery A laser beam is used to remove the tumor. Radiation Radiation is a treatment that uses beams of energy (such as high energy X-rays) to kill cancer cells in the body. The goal is to target the tumor while preserving healthy tissue. External beam radiation is most commonly used, where a machine outside the body delivers the energy beams.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762996a40b42-7c1a-4dd0-869a-3fc956d1a49d If the cancer is small and caught early, radiation may be used as the primary treatment, without the need for surgery. Radiation is also used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or to treat cancer that has come back after treatment. It may also be used in people who are unable to have surgery, and to ease symptoms in people with advanced laryngeal cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762996a40b42-7c1a-4dd0-869a-3fc956d1a49d Medication Options Different drug options are available for laryngeal cancer, including: Chemotherapy Various chemotherapy drugs are used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be a primary treatment, or used alongside other treatments, such as radiation (chemoradiation), or before/after surgery.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296ddba794-6591-4701-ab99-225b76524254 Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, with breaks in between treatments, and may be given as one or more chemo drugs at a time.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296ddba794-6591-4701-ab99-225b76524254 Cisplatin (Platinol) and carboplatin (Paraplatin) are common chemo drugs used to treat laryngeal cancers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296ddba794-6591-4701-ab99-225b76524254 Targeted Medicines With targeted therapy, medicines focus on proteins on cancer cells that help them grow. Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a targeted drug that zeros in on and blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that promotes cancer cell growth. Cetuximab might be combined with radiation for more advanced cancers when chemotherapy isn’t an option, or combined with chemotherapy if the cancer has returned or spread to other areas.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629eea4adbe-fccf-4c16-ae05-e30f09df38d4 Immunotherapy This type of treatment uses your body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. The immunotherapy medicines pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) are sometimes used for laryngeal cancer. They work by blocking a protein called PD-1. The PD-1 protein stops immune cells from attacking other cells in the body. By blocking this protein, the immune cells are encouraged to attack the cancer cells.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762903567acf-ef2d-445e-afc5-cd901e29bc96 Clinical Trials Clinical trials are research studies that scientists conduct to determine the safety and effectiveness of new therapies. Participating in a trial may give you the opportunity to try a treatment that isn’t available otherwise. Ask your doctor if you’re interested in volunteering for a study. You can also search for studies you might be eligible for on ClinicalTrials.gov .
Complementary and Integrative Therapies Complementary and integrative therapies won’t cure cancer, but they may help you feel better. Certain approaches can lessen treatment side effects, boost energy, and improve sleep. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new therapy. Some complementary and integrative therapies to consider include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762978515f20-829a-4105-bfaf-8348c3d6d3c2 Acupuncture Exercise Massage Deep breathing Meditation or relaxation exercises Music therapy Yoga or tai chi
Lifestyle Changes for Laryngeal Cancer Lifestyle Changes Adopting healthy habits can also lower your risk of laryngeal cancer. Here are some strategies.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940526c87-9417-40d7-b00c-8aad02a08131 Don’t smoke, or quit smoking if you do. Don’t drink, or limit your alcohol consumption. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you restrict alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762982ba66cc-92d1-4fff-abf9-c6fe56f6f712 There is no safe amount of alcohol consumption when it comes to affecting health or cancer risk — even small amounts could increase risk of cancer or other health complications.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940359499-a1d6-4b06-a48e-0cbe9950f91e Eat a healthy diet. Include lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid heavily-processed foods. Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, if possible.
Laryngeal Cancer Prognosis Prognosis and Outlook Your outlook will depend on the stage of your cancer, where it’s located, the treatments you receive, your overall health, and other factors. Luckily, most laryngeal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, when they are more curable.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762946833840-4edf-4f27-8737-69ee34490318 Five-year survival rates are often used to predict how long people with different types of cancer will live. Keep in mind that these are only estimates based on existing data. Every situation is unique, and these predictions may not apply to you.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762956c0d80c-b5fe-4f13-b177-d301d9d1fbec Researchers track five-year survival rates for laryngeal cancer based on whether the cancer is:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762956c0d80c-b5fe-4f13-b177-d301d9d1fbec Localized This means it hasn’t spread outside of the larynx. Regional The cancer has spread outside the larynx to nearby structures or lymph nodes. Distant The cancer has spread to distant organs in the body. When it comes to laryngeal cancer, the location of the tumor in the larynx also affects survival rates. The five-year survival rates for laryngeal cancers found in the supraglottis are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762956c0d80c-b5fe-4f13-b177-d301d9d1fbec Localized 61 percent Regional 46 percent Distant 30 percent The five-year survival rates for laryngeal cancers found in the glottis are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762956c0d80c-b5fe-4f13-b177-d301d9d1fbec Localized 84 percent Regional 52 percent Distant 45 percent The five-year survival rates for laryngeal cancers found in the subglottis are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762956c0d80c-b5fe-4f13-b177-d301d9d1fbec Localized 59 percent Regional 38 percent Distant 44 percent
Complications of Laryngeal Cancer Complications Complications are secondary health problems that develop due to the cancer itself or the treatments you receive. You may experience many severe issues. Or, you might just have a few mild complications. It will depend on how advanced your disease is and the treatments you have. Here are some possible complications of laryngeal cancer and its treatments:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762905c697c2-d021-4c97-a7d3-693122975bfde60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a81428db-e582-4fd3-adc7-b473d3b83361 Trouble speaking or swallowing Hypothyroidism (your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone) Dry mouth Tooth decay Muscle stiffness in the jaw, neck, or shoulders Thickening of the skin or tissues Bleeding Infection Lymphedema (a buildup of lymph fluid) Nerve damage Fatigue Your medical team can suggest ways to help manage these problems. For example, therapy helps you improve speech and swallowing. You’ll learn exercises that help strengthen the muscles in your tongue, mouth, and throat.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762905c697c2-d021-4c97-a7d3-693122975bfd
Research and Statistics: Who Has Laryngeal Cancer? Research and Statistics According to the American Cancer Society, about 13,020 new cases of laryngeal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Around 3,910 people die from the disease each year.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762970356d8f-ab17-473e-ae5e-1cdabbd12116 Most people with laryngeal cancer are 55 years of age or older. The average age at diagnosis is about 66.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762970356d8f-ab17-473e-ae5e-1cdabbd12116 Laryngeal cancer is much more common in men than in women.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762970356d8f-ab17-473e-ae5e-1cdabbd12116 Black men are more likely to develop laryngeal cancer and die from it than white men.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762970356d8f-ab17-473e-ae5e-1cdabbd12116 Researchers aren’t sure exactly why this racial disparity exists, but they believe genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors may all play a role. Additionally, delays in diagnosis and treatment could contribute to poorer outcomes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a38802b7-7c96-443d-acd0-f7b2e6ecc966
Related Conditions Related Conditions Some conditions that are closely related to laryngeal cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762972a7ffb3-e9f6-4401-a4b8-4e2c8aff4c72 Human papillomavirus (HPV): Human papillomavirus is group of more than 150 related viruses that can affect various parts of your body, including your skin, mouth, throat, and genitals. Head and neck cancer: Cancers that develop in the head and neck area of the body. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into your throat. Hypothyroidism: In hypothyroidism , your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.
Support for People With Laryngeal Cancer Support Living with laryngeal cancer can be challenging. Here are some resources to help you through your cancer journey. Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) SPOHNC provides support and education for people with head and neck cancers. They are dedicated to raising awareness and meeting the needs of cancer patients via their resources and publications. One way they do this is by providing useful information about clinical trials and products. The Throat Cancer Foundation This organization gives advice and support for people affected by throat cancer. Their goal is to lessen the impact of throat cancers on individuals and the society at large. Head and Neck Cancer Alliance This group provides up-to-date educational information and activities to promote awareness about head and neck cancers. Their peer-to-peer program matches mentors with patients, survivors, and caregivers to give one-on-one emotional support. Changing Faces Changing Faces is a UK-based organization that provides support and information for people who have suffered from facial disfigurement due to cancer. They provide mental health and well-being support. Additionally, they offer skin camouflage services.
The Takeaway Laryngeal cancer affects your voice box, which helps you breathe, speak, and swallow. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer, such as hoarseness or sore throat, may be mistaken for a cold or allergies. The outlook for people with laryngeal cancer depends on where it’s located and how soon it’s detected and treated. Generally, people with early-stage laryngeal cancer have a better chance of being cured, but even more advanced stages can have a favorable outlook.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Laryngeal CancerMayo Clinic: Throat CancerAmerican Cancer Society: About Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal CancerHead and Neck Cancer Alliance: Self-Exam GuideMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Resources for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

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