The Explainer: What is Laryngeal Cancer?

By Achieng’ Anyim

Laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx (the voice box), is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the larynx. The larynx is the organ located in the throat behind the Adam’s apple and houses the vocal cords (vocal folds). It has several essential roles: producing sound (air from the lungs passes through the vocal cords to create voice), protecting the airway by directing food and liquids away from the trachea during swallowing, and regulating airflow by opening and closing to aid breathing.

Structures inside the larynx include the vocal cords, surrounding muscles, cartilage (such as the thyroid and cricoid), and the epiglottis, which helps direct food away from the airway. Any problems in the larynx, such as cancer or nonmalignant growth, can affect voice, swallowing, and breathing.

Common Causes

Laryngeal cancer is commonly linked to tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) and heavy alcohol consumption, as well as prolonged exposure to certain substances (e.g., asbestos, wood dust, and certain chemicals). It mostly affects older males, typically from age 40 and above. A family history or genetic predisposition can play a role, though most cases are sporadic.

Early Signs of Laryngeal Cancer

• Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than a few weeks
• Persistent sore throat or a feeling of a lump in the throat
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Ear pain which is not caused by an ear infection
• A lump or swelling in the neck from enlarged lymph nodes

Late Signs of Laryngeal Cancer

• Worsening hoarseness or voice loss that doesn’t improve
• Persistent coughing or coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Chronic sore throat or neck stiffness
• Trouble breathing or noisy breathing in advanced cases

How to Detect Laryngeal Cancer

If you notice persistent symptoms (especially hoarseness lasting beyond 2–3 weeks), seek evaluation by an ENT specialist. Diagnosis involves laryngoscopy (visual examination of the larynx), imaging studies (CT/MRI/PET-CT), and a biopsy to confirm the cancer and determine its stage. Early detection improves treatment outcomes, so regular medical check-ups are recommended, particularly for those with risk factors.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery: partial or total laryngectomy, or other procedures to remove tumors while preserving the voice when possible.
• Radiation therapy: targets cancer cells to shrink or destroy tumors.
• Chemotherapy: often used with radiation (chemoradiation) or for a more advanced disease.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: options for certain cancer subtypes or when standard treatments are less effective.
• Voice rehabilitation: post-treatment options to improve speech and quality of life, including speech therapy and, if needed, prosthetic voice devices.
• Multidisciplinary care: most patients benefit from a team approach across otolaryngology, oncology, radiology, speech-language pathology, nutrition, and palliative care.

Myth vs. Fact
There is a common myth that only smokers get laryngeal cancer. This is not true; anyone can develop laryngeal cancer, and several non-smoking factors can contribute. While tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption are well-established risk factors, laryngeal cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked or drink minimally. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke exposure, occupational exposures (such as asbestos, wood dust, sulfuric acid, and some industrial chemicals), chronic inflammatory throat conditions, and, in some cases, persistent HPV infection. Age, gender (higher incidence in men), family history, and genetic predispositions may also play a role.