Laryngeal Early and Advanced Cancer

Overview and Facts about Laryngeal Early and Advanced Cancer

Laryngeal cancer typically refers to cancer affecting the larynx (voice box), which allows you to speak, swallow and breathe.

The larynx is situated above the trachea (windpipe) and has three main parts: the glottis, the supraglottis, and the subglottis. Though it begins in the larynx, laryngeal cancer in the advanced stages can spread to other regions of the body.

The most common type of cancer in this location is squamous cell carcinoma.

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal Early and Advanced Cancer

Typically, during the early stages, laryngeal cancer only affects one region of the voice box. There is no spread of cancer cells, and the movement of the vocal cords is normal.

However, by stage II, the tumor spreads to more than one location on the voice box, and although the vocal folds on the larynx are abnormal, they still move.

By stage III, the movement of the vocal fold stops completely. During stage IV, the cancer spreads to regions beyond the larynx.

Symptoms of this progression of laryngeal cancer include:

• A change in the voice
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• A lump in the neck
• Lingering cough
• Persistent sore throat or earache
• Trouble breathing

Causes and Risk Factors of Laryngeal Early and Advanced Cancer

The exact causes of laryngeal cancer are often not known. Risk factors for laryngeal cancer include:

• Tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake
• Being male and being older than age 65
• A poor diet or exposure to toxic chemicals
• Genetic syndromes, such as dyskeratosis congenita

Tests and Diagnosis of Laryngeal Early and Advanced Cancer

Treatment for laryngeal cancer will vary depending on the stage and development of the cancer. Treatment could include surgery, radiation with or without chemotherapy or a combination of these.