Symptoms of laryngeal cancer

Having a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks is one of the most common symptoms of laryngeal cancer. Other symptoms include:

  • pain or difficulty swallowing
  • shortness of breath
  • weight loss

The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat it and the more likely the treatment is to be successful. So it is important that you go to your GP as soon as possible if you notice worrying symptoms.

Hoarseness or a change in your voice

If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal cancer.

This is one of the most common symptoms. But many other things can cause a hoarse voice. One of the most common causes is acute laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). This usually happens due to:

  • a cold
  • a chest infection
  • overuse of the voice, such as shouting or screaming

Smoking can also cause hoarseness because it irritates the throat lining (mucous membranes). Other causes of hoarseness include:

  • acid reflux - when stomach acid leaks up into your oesophagus (food pipe). It can irritate the larynx
  • post nasal drip - when mucus drips from the back of your nose down into your throat. This can happen if you have a cold, an allergy or because you smoke. It makes you cough and can give you a hoarse voice
  • allergies
  • thyroid problems
  • injury

Many people develop hoarseness as they get older.

You should see your doctor if you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks. Remember that it’s more likely to be due to a cough or irritation than cancer.

Pain or difficulty swallowing

There are many different ways this can affect you. You might get the feeling:

  • that there is something small stuck in your throat
  • you are completely unable to swallow food 
  • of some pain or a burning sensation when swallowing food 
  • that your food is sticking in your throat
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, then you need to see your doctor for advice and further tests.

Shortness of breath

Some people find they have a cough that doesn't go away or they find it difficult to breath. Their breathing may become noisy (stridor).

Shortness of breath and stridor is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. You need to see your doctor urgently.

Weight loss

Weight loss is a common symptom of many cancers, including advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. It is very unlikely to be the only symptom.

It may happen because you’re eating less due to pain or difficulty in swallowing.

You should see your doctor if you have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time and you are not dieting.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms include:

  • a feeling that there’s a lump in your throat
  • bad smelling breath (halitosis)
  • an ear ache that doesn’t go away (this is rare)
When to see your doctor

You should see your doctor if you:

  • have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks
  • have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time and you are not dieting
  • are short of breath or have a cough that doesn't go away, or your breathing becomes noisy (stridor)
  • have pain or difficulty swallowing
  • have any other symptoms that are unusual for you or that don't go away

Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it's important to get them checked by a doctor.

It is important that you go to your GP as soon as possible if you notice worrying symptoms.

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

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