Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the voice box (larynx). The voice box contains the vocal cords which help us speak, breathe, and swallow. Voice box cancer can occur in several locations, including above the vocal cords (supraglottic), on the vocal cords (glottic), or below the vocal cords (subglottic).
Laryngeal cancer is treated by a team of head and neck surgeons, medical oncologists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Penn Medicine’s Head and Neck Cancer specialty provides advanced diagnostic, surgical, and nonsurgical treatment for laryngeal cancer.
Types of laryngeal cancer
Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the voice box. However, voice box cancer can manifest in several different ways, and treatment plans vary depending on the type. Our specialists treat several types, including:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC)
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Lymphoma
- Sarcomas
Laryngeal cancer symptoms
Laryngeal cancer symptoms are similar to what you might experience with a common cold. Unlike a cold, though, laryngeal cancer symptoms like sore throat and hoarseness can last for weeks or months.
In addition, you might experience these symptoms with cancer of the voice box:
- Changes in your voice
- Persistent coughing
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty clearing your throat
- Ear pain and fullness
- Difficulty breathing
- Bad breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- A lump or mass in the neck
Laryngeal cancer risks and prevention
People with certain risk factors for voice box cancer may have a greater chance of developing the disease.
Tobacco and alcohol use significantly increases the risk of developing voice box cancer. Both cigarettes and alcohol contain toxic chemicals that can damage the vocal cords. People who regularly consume both are at a much higher risk of developing the disease than those who don’t. Heavy alcohol use is particularly linked to supraglottic cancer (above the vocal cords) and glottic cancer (on the vocal cords).
Poor nutrition often worsens voice box cancer due to difficulty swallowing or aspiration caused by the cancer. Individuals with vitamin deficiencies are also more susceptible to developing the disease.
While those with voice box cancer may be tested for HPV as a potential factor, there’s a less clear link between the two compared to oropharyngeal cancers.
People with certain genetic diseases or syndromes may have a higher risk of developing voice box cancer. Some genetic syndromes linked to voice box cancer include:
- Fanconi anemia: People with fanconi anemia often experience blood problems at an early age. They have a significantly elevated risk of cancers affecting the mouth, throat, and voice box.
- Dyskeratosis congenita: People with dyskeratosis congenita often develop aplastic anemia, rashes, and abnormal fingernails and toenails. They face a very high risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box when they are young.
- Plummer-Vinson Syndrome (PVS): People with PVS often have difficulty swallowing and may develop iron-deficiency anemia, glossitis, cheilosis, and esophageal webs. They have a high risk of various throat cancers, including voice box cancer.
Exposure to certain toxins and chemicals in the workplace (such as textile industries) has been linked to the development of voice box cancer. These chemicals include:
- Wood dust
- Paint
- Chemicals used in metal working
- Petroleum
- Plastics
- Asbestos (some studies have revealed a possible link to voice box cancer)
Studies show that people assigned male at birth are four times more likely to develop voice box cancer than those assigned female at birth.
This difference may be due to historical trends, as people assigned male at birth tended to smoke and drink more heavily. However, in recent years, these habits have become more common among people assigned female at birth, increasing their risk of developing voice box cancer as well.
A high number of voice box cancer patients are 65 or older when the cancers are first detected. Although rare, voice box cancer can appear in children who have recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. But this is uncommon.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, may be linked to an increased risk of voice box cancer.
Laryngeal cancer diagnosis
To diagnose laryngeal cancer, your doctor will likely begin by examining your throat, neck, and nose for any unusual growths or lesions. If they find something suspicious, they may order additional tests to confirm their diagnosis.
Penn Medicine’s specialists are experts in the evaluation and diagnosis of all types of laryngeal cancers. We use the latest diagnostic tools and tests to ensure the most accurate diagnosis.
Treating laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer treatment depends on the stage, size, and location of the cancer—whether it’s on, above, or below the vocal cords. In some cases, nonsurgical treatments may be used alone or in combination with surgery.
At Penn Medicine, we’re experts in head and neck cancer treatment, offering care plans based on your specific type and stage of cancer. Our approach aims to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Penn Medicine and laryngeal cancer
We specialize in the evaluation and diagnosis of all types of cancer that can affect the voice box, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma. When you come to Penn Medicine for care, you’ll also find:
- Pioneering technology: We created many of the latest surgical and nonsurgical treatment techniques for laryngeal cancer, including transoral robotic surgery (TORS), which may help preserve the voice box and swallowing functions.
- Speech therapy: We offer voice restoration therapies, including individualized vocal exercises and counseling, to help you use your voice effectively and safely after surgery.
- Reconstructive treatments: If you need reconstructive head and neck microsurgery after a total laryngectomy, our Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery team has extensive experience in a variety of cancer resection procedures.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.