Voice & Swallowing Problems

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the larynx. It can affect anyone, although it predominantly occurs in individuals over the age of 55 and is more common in men than women. Tobacco, long-term alcohol use and certain strains of HPV (human papillomavirus), primarily HPV-16, have been linked to an increased risk of developing laryngeal cancer, particularly in younger individuals. Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals or fumes in workplaces such as construction, mining, or manufacturing may also increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.        

The are three major types of laryngeal cancer: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) (most common), adenocarcinoma (rare) and sarcoma (rare). Patients may display symptoms like persistent hoarseness, throat pain, dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), ear pain, persistent cough or sore throat and/or breathing problems.

Once a clinical evaluation is done along with imaging and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, treatment options extend to surgery (laryngectomy to removal part or all of the larynx) or cordectomy (to remove only vocal cords), radiation therapy, chemotherapy and, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Patients may need rehabilitation and support along the lines of speech and nutritional therapy among others.