Types of Neck and head Cancer (2) General Information About Cancer of the larynx

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant disease (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx.
The larynx (voice box) located just below the pharynx (throat) in the neck. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them. Sound echoes through the pharynx, mouth and nose to make one's voice.

Most laryngeal cancer form in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the larynx.

There are three main parts of the larynx:

• Supraglottis: The top of the larynx above the vocal cords, including the epiglottis.
• glottis: The middle of the larynx where the vocal cords are located.
• Subglottis: The bottom of the larynx between the vocal cords and trachea (windpipe).

Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer 

Use of tobacco products and drinking too much alcohol can affect the risk of laryngeal cancer
 Possible signs of laryngeal cancer include a sore throat and ear pain.

These and other symptoms may be caused by laryngeal cancer or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

• Sore throat or cough that does not go away.
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing.
• Ear pain.
• A lump in the neck or throat.
• A change or hoarseness in the voice.

Tests that examine the throat and neck are used to help detect (find), diagnose, and stage laryngeal cancer

The following tests and procedures may be used: 

• Physical exam of the throat and neck: Examination in which the doctor feels for swollen lymph nodes in the neck and looking down the throat with a small long-handled mirror to check for abnormal areas.

• Laryngoscopy: A procedure in which the doctor examines the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or with a laryngoscope (a thin, lighted tube).

• Endoscopy: A procedure to look at organs and tissues in the body to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through an incision (cut) in the skin or opening in the body, such as the mouth. Tissue samples and lymph nodes can be taken for biopsy.

• CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The images created by computers connected to the x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves and computers to create a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

• Biopsy: removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs cancer.

• Barium swallow: A series of x-ray of the esophagus and stomach. The patient drinks a liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound). Liquid coats the esophagus and stomach, and x-rays taken. This procedure is also referred to as upper GI series.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options

The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:

• The stage of the disease.
• The location and size of the tumor.
• The grade of the tumor.
• Patient age, gender, and general health, including whether the patient's anemia.

Treatment options depend on the following:

• Stage of disease.
• The location and size of the tumor.
• Keeping the patient's ability to speak, eat, and breathe as normal as possible.
• Whether the cancer has come back (relapse).

Smoking and drinking alcohol reduces the effectiveness of treatment for laryngeal cancer. Patients with laryngeal cancer who continue to smoke and drink less likely to be cured and more likely to develop a second tumor. After treatment for laryngeal cancer, frequent and careful follow-up is important.