Head and Neck Cancer

Larynx Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of cancer of the larynx depend mainly on the size and location of the tumor. Most cancers of the larynx begin on the vocal cords. These tumors are seldom painful, but they almost always cause hoarseness or other changes in the voice. Tumors in the area above the vocal cords may cause a lump on the neck, a sore throat or an earache. Tumors that begin in the area below the vocal cords are rare and can make it hard to breathe. Your breathing may become noisy. A cough that doesn't go away or the feeling of a lump in the throat may also be warning signs of cancer of the larynx. As the tumor grows, it may cause pain, weight loss, bad breath, and choking on food. In some cases, a tumor in the larynx can make it hard to swallow.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007