Stages, types and grades
Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinoma means cancer. So squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that starts in these cells.
The cancer develops in the flat, skin like, squamous cells that cover the surface of the vocal cords and other parts of the larynx.
Read more about parts of the larynx
Adenocarcinoma is uncommon compared to squamous cell laryngeal cancer. It starts in the adenomatous cells that are around the surface of the larynx. Adenomatous cells are gland cells that produce .
Rarely, other types of cancer occur in the larynx. The treatment for these is different to the treatment described in this section.
Sarcomas of the larynx are extremely rare. Sarcomas are cancers that start in the body’s connective tissues.
Connective tissues are the supporting tissues of the body, such as bone, muscle, and nerves. Cartilage is the supporting tissue of the larynx. Cancers that develop from cartilage are called chondrosarcomas.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the . It starts in the or other organs of the lymphatic system. There are many lymph nodes in the neck. Swelling of a lymph node is a symptom of lymphoma. It is possible to get lymphoma in the larynx, but this is rare.
If you are looking for information on lymphoma, visit the lymphoma section. Your treatment will be different to the treatment outlined in this section for laryngeal cancer.
Plasmacytoma in the larynx is rare. It can progress into a type of cancer called myeloma. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer.
Read more about plasmacytoma and myeloma
Many diseases of the larynx are not cancer. Here are some conditions that affect the larynx that are not cancerous.
Chronic laryngitis or swelling of the voice box lining is usually caused by:
smoking – the larynx is irritated by the smoke, resulting in inflammation
acid reflux – acid from the stomach leaks up into the food pipe (oesophagus)
postnasal drip – mucus from the back of the nose running down the throat
straining the voice – this can occur in people who use their voices a lot, for example, singers, teachers and sports coaches
Your doctor can tell you how to deal with chronic laryngitis. You may need a biopsy if your doctor wants to rule out any risk of your laryngitis being caused by a cancer.
Nodules are overgrowths of tissue on the vocal cords. They may be caused by smoking, acid reflux and straining the voice. They are a common cause of hoarseness. The treatment you have for nodules will depend on:
what caused them
the size of the nodules
what problems they are causing
Resting your voice can sometimes help. Treatment might include:
surgery if they are large
speech therapy
The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause wart like growths on your larynx. These aren’t cancer, they are papillomas or papillary growths. Papillomas can become laryngeal cancer, but this is very rare.
The treatment you have depends on several things including:
where exactly the cancer is
how big the cancer is
whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
Last reviewed: 22 Jul 2024
Next review due: 22 Jul 2027
Laryngeal cancer is cancer that starts in the voice box (larynx). It is a type of head and neck cancer.
Symptoms can include a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and shortness of breath.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They will examine you and might refer you for tests or to a specialist.
Survival depends on many factors including the stage and grade of your cancer.
Staging means how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. Grading means how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
