Laryngeal cancer

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a hoarse voice or sore throat that does not go away, a lump in your throat and pain when swallowing.

It’s not always known what causes laryngeal cancer, but it can be caused by genetic changes, your lifestyle and certain health conditions.

The main tests for laryngeal cancer include looking at your throat, mouth or voicebox (larynx) using a thin tube with a camera in it.

Treatment for laryngeal cancer may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer vary depending on where in the voice box (larynx) the cancer is.

The most common symptoms include:

• a hoarse voice or change in your voice that does not go away
• a lump or swelling in your neck
• pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Other less common symptoms include:

• an earache that does not go away
• bad breath
• losing weight without trying

• you have a hoarse voice or change in your voice that does not go away
• you have a lump or swelling in your throat – including a lump that has been checked before but is getting bigger
• pain or difficulty swallowing

It's not always clear what causes laryngeal cancer.

Anyone can get laryngeal cancer, but you might be more at risk if you:

• are over the age of 40
• are a man, especially if you are Black
• have a brother, sister, parent or child who has had laryngeal cancer
• have certain conditions, such as acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or have had radiotherapy treatment to your neck

Many laryngeal cancers are linked to lifestyle. For example, you're more likely to get it if you smoke or drink too much alcohol.

You cannot always prevent laryngeal cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.

• try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week

• try to quit smoking

If the GP or specialist thinks you might have laryngeal cancer, they will refer you for tests to look inside your throat.

The main tests for laryngeal cancer include:

• looking inside your nose, throat and mouth using a thin tube with a camera in it
• looking inside your throat at your voice box (larynx) using a thin tube with a camera in it – they may also remove a sample of cells from your voice box (called a biopsy)
• checking any lumps on your neck using a needle and syringe to take a sample

Laryngeal cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

• the size and type of laryngeal cancer you have
• where it is
• if it has spread
• your general health

It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
• help you manage any side effects, including changes to your diet

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.