Laryngeal (Throat) Cancer

Cancer is made of changed cells that grow out of control. The changed (abnormal) cells often grow to form a lump or mass called a tumor. Cancer cells can also grow into (invade) nearby areas. And they can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis.

Laryngeal cancer starts in the voice box (larynx), which is located in your neck. It is about 2 inches long and looks like a tube. The larynx makes sound for speaking. You use the larynx when you breathe, talk, and swallow. The larynx is located at the top of the windpipe (trachea). The trachea is the tube that carries air between the throat and lungs. 

The larynx has three main parts:

• Glottis. This is where the vocal cords are.

• Supraglottis. This is located above the vocal cords.

• Subglottis. This is below the vocal cords, where the larynx connects to the trachea.

A risk factor is anything that may increase your chance of having a disease. The exact cause of someone’s cancer may not be known. But risk factors can make it more likely for a person to have cancer. Some risk factors may not be in your control. But others may be things you can change.

The risk factors for laryngeal cancer include:

• Using tobacco.

• Drinking alcohol.

• Being a man.

• Being age 65 or older.

• Being African American or white.

• Eating a diet that is low in some vitamins and minerals.

• Having an inherited syndrome, such as Fanconi anemia or dyskeratosis congenita.

• Exposure to certain chemicals.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for laryngeal cancer and what you can do about them.

Researchers don’t yet know how to prevent this type of cancer. But you may be able to lower your risk by not using any form of tobacco.

Are there any screening tests for laryngeal cancer? 

There is no recommended screening test for laryngeal cancer. Screening tests check for diseases in people who don't have symptoms.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer can depend upon where the cancer is in the larynx. They can include:

• Hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks.

• Lump in the neck or feeling that something is stuck in your throat.

• Sore throat.

• Earache.

• Trouble swallowing or breathing.

• A cough or sore throat, or both, that won't go away.

• Choking on food. This can happen as the tumor grows.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Bad breath.

• Ear pain that doesn't go away.

Many of these may be caused by other health problems. It is important to see your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only a healthcare provider can tell if you have cancer.

If your healthcare provider thinks you may have laryngeal cancer, you will need exams and tests to be sure. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your health history, your symptoms, risk factors, and family history of disease. He or she will also give you a physical exam. You may get one or more tests.

If your doctor finds abnormal areas of tissue, you'll need a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to know if a lump or change is cancer. Small pieces of tissue are taken out and checked for cancer cells.

After a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, you’ll likely have other tests. These help your healthcare providers learn more about your cancer. They can help determine the stage of the cancer. The stage is how much and how far the cancer has spread (metastasized) in your body. It is one of the most important things to know when deciding how to treat the cancer.

Once your cancer is staged, your healthcare provider will talk with you about what the stage means for your treatment. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider to explain the stage of your cancer to you in a way you can understand.

Your treatment choices depend on the type of laryngeal cancer you have, test results, and the stage of the cancer. The goal of treatment may be to cure you, control the cancer, or help ease problems caused by the cancer. Talk with your healthcare team about your treatment choices, the goals of treatment, and what the risks and side effects may be.

Types of treatment for cancer are either local or systemic. Local treatments remove, destroy, or control cancer cells in one area. Surgery and radiation are local treatments. Systemic treatment is used to destroy or control cancer cells that may have traveled around your body. When taken by pill or injection, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are systemic treatments. You may have just one treatment or a combination of treatments.

There are four main treatment methods for laryngeal cancer:

• Surgery.

• Radiation therapy.

• Chemotherapy.

• Targeted therapy.

Talk with your healthcare providers about your treatment options. Make a list of questions. Think about the benefits and possible side effects of each option. Talk about your concerns with your healthcare provider before making a decision.

Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage normal cells. This can cause side effects such as hair loss, mouth sores, and vomiting. Talk with your healthcare provider about side effects you might have and ways to manage them. There may be things you can do and medicines you can take to help prevent or control side effects.

After surgery for laryngeal cancer, you may have to adjust to new ways of eating, drinking, speaking, and breathing. The types of changes you have depend on the type of surgery that was done.

Many people feel worried, depressed, and stressed when dealing with cancer. Getting treatment for cancer can be hard on your mind and body. Keep talking with your healthcare team about any problems or concerns you have. Work together to ease the effects of cancer and its symptoms on your daily life.

Here are tips:

• Talk with your family or friends.

• Ask your healthcare team or social worker for help.

• Speak with a counselor.

• Talk with a spiritual advisor, such as a minister or rabbi.

• Ask your healthcare team about medicines for depression or anxiety.

• Keep socially active.

• Join a cancer support group.

Cancer treatment is also hard on the body. To help yourself stay healthier, try to:

• Eat a healthy diet, with as many protein foods as possible.

• Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, and other liquids.

• Keep physically active.

• Rest as much as needed.

• Talk with your healthcare team about ways to manage treatment side effects.

• Take your medicines as directed by your team.

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about when to call. You may be told to call if you have any of the below:

• New symptoms or symptoms that get worse.

• Signs of an infection, such as a fever.

• Side effects of treatment that affect your daily function or don't get better with treatment.

Ask your healthcare provider what signs to watch for, and when to call. Know how to get help after office hours and on weekends and holidays.