Cancer of the larynx, also known as laryngeal cancer, is an uncommon type of cancer that develops inside the tissue of the larynx (see below).
Common symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:
- unexplained changes in the voice, such as sounding hoarse or husky
- pain when swallowing
- sore throat
When to seek medical advice
You should visit your GP if you have any of the symptoms listed above and they've lasted for more than three weeks.
As these symptoms are the same as those for many other conditions, it's unlikely that they're caused by cancer. However, it's a good idea to rule out all possible causes of your symptoms by visiting your GP.
See Laryngeal cancer - symptoms for more information.
The larynx
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is found at the back of the throat, in front of the windpipe (trachea). The larynx has three main functions. It:
- channels oxygen into the windpipe during breathing
- acts like a valve by closing off the trachea and preventing food or drink falling down into the lungs when eating or drinking
- produces the sound of your voice; the larynx contains two folds of tissue (vocal cords) that vibrate as air passes through them
Who is affected by laryngeal cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. In England, there are an estimated 1,700 new cases of laryngeal cancer each year.
Laryngeal cancer is five times more common in men than in women. Most cases develop in older adults who are 40 years old. Three quarters of cases affect people who are 60 years old or over.
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Drinking alcohol when smoking increases the risk further. It's unclear whether drinking alcohol but not smoking also increases a person’s chances of developing laryngeal cancer.
See Laryngeal cancer - causes for more information.
Treatment and outlook
If diagnosed in its early stages, there's a good chance that people with laryngeal cancer will achieve a complete cure. However, the more advanced the cancer is at the time of diagnosis, the less favourable the outlook and the chances of achieving a complete cure.
The main treatment option for laryngeal cancer is to surgically remove any cancerous tissue. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a type of medication called cetuximab can also be used to increase the chances of surgery being successful.
Survival rates
The survival rates for laryngeal cancer depend on the stage that the condition is diagnosed.
There are four stages of laryngeal cancer – stage one is the earliest stage and stage four is the most advanced stage.
See Laryngeal cancer - diagnosis for more information.
According to the leading cancer charity, Cancer Research UK:
- more than 9 out of 10 people with stage one laryngeal cancer will live at least five years after diagnosis
- more than 7 out of 10 people with stage two laryngeal cancer will live at least five years after diagnosis
- more than 6 out of 10 people with stage three laryngeal cancer will live at least five years after diagnosis
- around 1 in 4 people with stage four laryngeal cancer will live at least five years after diagnosis
If you smoke, quitting smoking after being diagnosed with laryngeal cancer will improve your chances of survival.
