A cancer that develops in and around the larynx (voice box). This cancer can be detected at an early stage if changes in the voice occur. Symptoms usually include hoarseness, pain, and difficulty swallowing. If untreated, as the cancer grows within the larynx, it may eventually cause discomfort in the ears or spitting up blood.
A malignant growth in the larynx, or voice box. Over half the time, this tumor originates on one of the vocal cords, while in other instances, it forms either above or below the cords.
While the precise causes remain unclear, both smoking and excessive alcohol intake are recognized as risk factors.
The primary symptom is hoarseness, especially if the tumor is located on the vocal cords. In later stages, individuals may experience trouble breathing and swallowing, as well as coughing up blood. If the cancer has extended to the neck’s lymph nodes, these nodes may appear swollen.
When a laryngoscopy detects a tumor in the larynx, a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample. Small tumors might be treated with radiotherapy or laser procedures. For tumors that are large or not responding to initial treatments, a partial or complete laryngectomy, which is the removal of the larynx, may be recommended.