The larynx (sometimes called the 'voice box') is the box-like structure at the beginning of the windpipe. The box is made partly of gristle (cartilage) and has a prominent front part, especially in men, called the Adam’s apple. The larynx contains the vocal cords and it is there that the basic sounds, that are then modified to form the speaking and singing voice, are produced. The larynx acts to protect against food getting into the lungs and makes coughing possible.

Cancer of the larynx is comparatively rare and occurs most often in smokers and heavy drinkers. If the cancer is confined to the vocal cords it causes obvious voice changes and is likely to be diagnosed early. In addition, spread from the vocal cords to other parts is slow. In this case the outlook is favourable.

Unfortunately, cancer elsewhere in the larynx is likely to be well advanced before symptoms of breathing or swallowing difficulty arise and the prospects of cure is worse.

By far the most important cause of cancer of the larynx is cigarette smoking. Other causes include drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and exposure to asbestos fibres.

Treatment

Small cancers of the vocal cords can often be cured by local treatment with lasers or, more often, with radiotherapy.

Larger cancers that have spread to involve the cartilage of the larynx usually require partial or total removal of the larynx (laryngectomy). After laryngectomy, voice production using an electromechanical reed tone production device is possible. Some patients learn to speak by swallowing air and then bringing it up in such a ways as to cause vibration in the throat. A speech therapist can assist greatly.

Symptoms

The main symptom of cancer of the larynx is a change in the voice. There is permanent hoarseness.

More developed cancer of the larynx may show a firm mass in the neck with difficulty in breathing and swallowing.