Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhere It OccursCausesSymptomsTreatmentSuccess of TreatmentTreatment Side EffectsSelf-CareVoice RestorationRecurrenceSupport
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Where It Occurs
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Success of Treatment
Treatment Side Effects
Self-Care
Voice Restoration
Recurrence
Support
Laryngeal cancer, also known as voice box cancer, is a type ofhead and neck cancerthat affects yourlarynx(voice box.) It occurs whenmalignant(cancerous) cells develop in the tissue of your larynx.
Your larynx contains yourglottis(vocal cords) that allow you to speak and make sounds with your voice. It also prevents food from entering your lungs and helps you breathe.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
This disease can be treated with good outcomes. Knowing how this disease occurs and whether you’re at risk can help you recognize symptoms when they occur. Finding laryngeal cancer early, before it grows and spreads, improves your chances of getting fully cured.
This article describes laryngeal cancer, where it occurs, symptoms, causes, and treatments. It also details what to expect from treatments and how to cope if you’re living with this type of cancer.
Where Laryngeal Cancer Occurs in Throat
Laryngeal cancerappears in the tissue of the larynx. The larynx is part of your throat. It sits at the base of the tongue andtrachea(windpipe).
Laryngeal cancer can form in one of three anatomical areas of your larynx:
While laryngeal cancer starts in one of these areas, it can sometimes overlap more than one area and make it difficult to determine where it originated. Laryngeal cancer can also metastasize (spread) to other organs such as yourthyroid, youresophagus, thelymph nodesin your neck, and other parts of your body.
Why Do People Get Laryngeal Cancer?
All types of cancer develop from the uncontrolled growth of certain cells. Cancer forms due to changes (mutations) in a cell’s DNA that make the cells grow and multiply abnormally. Instead of dying, mutated cells create new, abnormal cells. In some types of cancer, these group together to form a tissue mass called a tumor.
The causes of the cell changes that lead to laryngeal cancer are not fully understood but have been linked to the following:
Risk factorsmight increase your chances of having a disease. The two most important risk factors for laryngeal cancer include the following:
Combining drinking and smoking multiplies your risk many times over. It makes you more likely to get laryngeal cancer or another head and neck cancer than people who don’t have these risk factors.
Other factors contributing to the incidence of laryngeal cancer include the following:
What Is Laryngeal Dysplasia?Laryngeal dysplasia is a term used to describe precancerous surface changes that occur in the membranes of the larynx. While they do not qualify as cancer, these changes can progress to cancer if left untreated.
What Is Laryngeal Dysplasia?
Laryngeal dysplasia is a term used to describe precancerous surface changes that occur in the membranes of the larynx. While they do not qualify as cancer, these changes can progress to cancer if left untreated.
Symptoms: How Do You Know You Have Laryngeal Cancer?
Certain symptoms are common in people who have laryngeal cancer. Some larynx cancer symptoms affect how you feel, while others may cause subtle changes in yourappearance. However, it’s not possible to know you have this disease without a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
Precancerous Laryngeal Cancer: What Is Not Malignant?Cells in your larynx can have changes that cause the development of precancerous laryngeal cancer called laryngeal dysplasia. However, these changes can also be signs of benign (nonmalignant or noncancerous) tumors called papilloma, which account for 85% of nonmalignant tumors of the larynx.These tumors can cause symptoms similar to cancerous tumors. Only a healthcare provider can determine the difference
Precancerous Laryngeal Cancer: What Is Not Malignant?
Cells in your larynx can have changes that cause the development of precancerous laryngeal cancer called laryngeal dysplasia. However, these changes can also be signs of benign (nonmalignant or noncancerous) tumors called papilloma, which account for 85% of nonmalignant tumors of the larynx.These tumors can cause symptoms similar to cancerous tumors. Only a healthcare provider can determine the difference
Cells in your larynx can have changes that cause the development of precancerous laryngeal cancer called laryngeal dysplasia. However, these changes can also be signs of benign (nonmalignant or noncancerous) tumors called papilloma, which account for 85% of nonmalignant tumors of the larynx.
These tumors can cause symptoms similar to cancerous tumors. Only a healthcare provider can determine the difference
After Diagnosis: Laryngeal Cancer Treatment Plan
After a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, your healthcare provider determines a treatment plan. The site and stage of laryngeal cancer you have at your diagnosis are significant factors in determining your treatment plan. Other factors that can affect the way your cancer is treated include your age, your general health, and your personal preferences.
Staging determines if and how much your laryngeal cancer has spread. Laryngeal cancer diagnosed at an early stage is easier to treat than when the cancer is in advanced stages.
Cancer staging in the United States uses the American Joint Committees on Cancer’s TNM system, which involves the following factors:
Treatment of laryngeal cancer typically involves the following approaches based on the disease stage, as follows.
Stage 0 Laryngeal Cancer
Stage 0 laryngeal cancers involve small, noninvasive tumors. At this stage, laryngeal cancer can usually be cured with one of the following:
Stages 1 and 2 Laryngeal Cancers
Stages 1 and 2 laryngeal cancers are confined to the larynx. Laryngeal cancers at this stage may have spread to the vocal cords and affected their normal movement. Laryngeal cancer at this stage can usually be treated without the removal of your entire voice box. Treatment for these cancers usually involves :
The surgical techniques that may be used include;
Stages 3 and 4 Laryngeal Cancers
These cancers may or may not involve other areas of the throat or neck, like your thyroid gland oresophagus(the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). As these cancers advance, they may spread to other areas of your body.
Treatment for laryngeal cancers at this stage involves the following:
Surgery may involve one or more of the following techniques:
Other Treatments
Depending on your disease stage and other factors regarding your response to traditional therapies, one of the following treatments may also be advised for laryngeal cancer:
How Successful Is Laryngeal Cancer Treatment?
The success of laryngeal cancer treatment depends on many factors, such as the stage of your cancer when treatment began. Smoking and/or continued alcohol use can interfere with the best outcomes.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to successful disease outcomes. Early stage laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy or surgery has a high cure rate.
On average, the five-year relativesurvival ratefor laryngeal cancer is 80%. This means that people with laryngeal cancer are about 80% as likely to live for five years after diagnosis than people who don’t have this disease.
Since these numbers are based on people diagnosed and treated at least five years earlier, people diagnosed from here on out are likely to have a better prognosis because treatments have improved during that time.
Side Effects of Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy:
Chemotherapy:
Surgery:
Immunotherapy:
Targeted therapy:
Self-Care With Laryngeal Cancer
Self-careis an important aspect of maintaining your overall well-being. It can also make a significant difference in managing your physical and mental health while dealing with laryngeal cancer.
Self-care involves paying attention to your needs and strengthening your physical and emotional reserves as you deal with the overwhelming challenges of laryngeal cancer. Research indicates that regular self-care care can reduce the effects of anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
If you’re new to the aspect of self-care, try these strategies to find what works for you:
Getting Your Voice Back With Laryngeal Cancer
If your voice box was removed as part of your treatment for laryngeal cancer, there are several options for restoring your voice after a laryngectomy. Voice restoration is usually handled after you have completed all treatments for your disease. It usually requires the help ofspeech therapyto master this new way of talking.
Options for voice restoration includetracheoesophageal voice prosthesis,electrolarynx, and esophageal speech.
Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis
It involves the surgical insertion of a prosthesis in the upper part of your trachea, where it is connected to your esophagus. It uses a one-way valve to let air from your lungs pass from your trachea and into the esophagus. This allows the esophagus to vibrate as your new voice box.
Though it takes guidance and practice to use, a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis can usually help you achieve the best voice quality compared to other voice restoration methods.
Electrolarynx
Another voice restoration option is an electrolarynx, also known as an artificial larynx. It is a small, battery-operated device that produces a voice with an electronic quality that is typically well-understood.
Esophageal Speech
Esophageal speech does not require any devices. It can be understood, though it creates a rough, hoarse sound.
Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer After Treatment
It is common for laryngeal cancer to recur after treatment. When this happens, it typically recurs locally in your larynx. If this occurs, it typically happens within two to three years after treatment.
There is a 20.5% overall risk of recurrence with laryngeal cancer. Having the following characteristics may contribute to a higher risk of recurrence:
Research indicates that the majority (71%) of laryngeal cancer that recurs involves the location of the primary tumor.
Support for Advanced Laryngeal Cancer
Coping with advanced laryngeal cancer involves more than medical care. In addition to meeting your physical needs, it’s important to identify and meet your emotional and mental health needs to support your well-being.
Accept the help of family and friends who are willing to lighten your load. Whether it’s helping with meal preparation, driving you to medical appointments, or doing everyday errands, allow yourself to let others help so you can focus your energies on healing.If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your healthcare provider about getting apalliative caresupport visit. This involves meeting with a team of specialists, including a social worker, a nurse, and a healthcare provider, who can address the full range of concerns involved in your cancer treatment.
Some of the most valuable support can come from others who understand what you are experiencing. You can find this in an online or local cancer support group. Some options for support groups include the following organizations:
Summary
Laryngeal cancer can be a challenging disease. When caught and treated early, it can be easily cured. However, if caught in later stages, tumor growth may require the removal of your voice box to protect your health.
You have the highest risk of getting this disease if you smoke or use tobacco products. Heavy drinking also increases your risk. Doing both raises your risk greatly.
Symptoms of a hoarse voice, coughing, and trouble swallowing should not be ignored. Getting an early diagnosis can improve your chances of having the best outcomes.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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