Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx. Throat cancers grow in the organs that help you swallow, speak, and breathe. About half of these cancers happen in the throat itself, the tube that starts behind your nose and ends in your neck. It’s also called the “pharynx.” The rest start in the voice box, or “larynx.” Symptoms of Laryngeal cancer may include voice changes like cracking or hoarseness, trouble swallowing or breathing, sore throat, cough or earache and headache. Tobacco and alcohol use are risk factors for laryngeal cancer. Symptoms of Laryngeal cancer don’t always occur with cancer. However, you should see a doctor if any of these symptoms last longer than one week.

Cancers arising in the larynx (voice box) are devastating malignancies that account for roughly 200,000 deaths annually worldwide. Although this only represents 2-5% of all malignancies, these cancers have special importance because of their significant effects on voice, swallowing and quality of life. As tumors grow they encroach on the airway and affect the muscles of the voice box. These muscles are vitally important in providing protection of the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing of solids, liquids and saliva. When interfered with, closure of the larynx is incomplete and can lead to severe coughing, choking or even chronic pneumonia. The structure of the voice box also provides rigid support for the trachea (windpipe) to facilitate respiration. Compromise of this function causes shortness of breath, noisy and labored breathing.

If you receive a cancer diagnosis, the next step is staging. Staging shows how far the cancer has spread. Oncologists generally use the TNM system to stage laryngeal cancer:

• T refers to the size of the primary tumor and if it has invaded surrounding tissue.
• N is used to identify how far the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
• M indicates whether the cancer has metastasized or spread into other organs or more distant lymph nodes.

According to the American Cancer Society, laryngeal cancer most commonly spreads to the lungs.