What is laryngeal cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is cancer that starts in the voice box (larynx). It is a rare type of head and neck cancer. 

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer

Symptoms can include a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and shortness of breath.  

Getting diagnosed with laryngeal cancer

You usually start by seeing your GP. They will examine you and might refer you for tests or to a specialist.

Survival for laryngeal cancer

Survival depends on different factors. So no one can tell you exactly how long you will live. Because this cancer is less common, survival is harder to estimate than for other, more common cancers.

Treatment for laryngeal cancer

You might have surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of treatments to treat laryngeal cancer.

Stages, types and grades of laryngeal cancer

Staging means how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. Grading means how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. 

Research and clinical trials

All cancer treatments have to be fully researched before they can be used for everyone. This is so we know that they work, they are better than the treatments already available and they are safe.

Living with laryngeal cancer

Lots of advice and support are available to help you cope with living with laryngeal cancer.

Risks and causes of laryngeal cancer

Factors that increase the risk of laryngeal cancer include smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol.

Last reviewed: 
23 Sep 2021
Next review due: 
23 Sep 2024