Laryngeal (Larynx) Cancer

Laryngeal (Larynx) Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Laryngeal (Larynx) Cancer?

Laryngeal cancer arises in the larynx (voice box), mostly squamous cell (95%), affecting glottis (60%, vocal cords), supraglottis (35%), subglottis (5%). In 2025, ~12,290 US cases, more in men, linked to tobacco/HPV.

Symptoms

Symptoms include hoarseness (>2 weeks), sore throat, swallowing pain, neck lump, ear pain, cough, breathlessness, weight loss. Glottic causes voice changes early; supraglottic dysphagia. In 2025, symptoms prompt laryngoscopy.

Causes

Causes include smoking/alcohol (85%), HPV (oropharyngeal overlap), radiation, asbestos. Genetic mutations in TP53. In 2025, HPV vaccines reduce incidence.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses laryngoscopy/biopsy, CT/MRI/PET for staging (TNM), HPV testing. In 2025, AI endoscopy improves accuracy.

Treatment

Early: surgery (laser) or radiation, preserving voice. Advanced: chemo-radiation, laryngectomy. Targeted/immunotherapy for recurrent. In 2025, de-escalation for HPV+.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 60%, 80% localised. HPV+ has 85%. By 2030, vaccines/immunotherapy could raise to 70%.

Sources

The information for laryngeal cancer is sourced from Cleveland Clinic’s “Laryngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment” for treatment; Cancer Center’s “Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Survival Rate” for survival; NHS’s “Treatment. Laryngeal (larynx) cancer” for treatment; Dana-Farber’s “Throat (Laryngeal) Cancer” for symptoms; NCBI’s “Laryngeal Cancer – StatPearls” for prognosis; MSD Manuals’s “Laryngeal Cancer – Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders” for disorders; MD Anderson’s “Laryngeal cancer: What you should know” for overview; MedTour’s “Laryngeal cancer (larynx tumor) – symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment” for diagnosis; MSKCC’s “Laryngeal Cancer – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center” for symptoms; MSD Manuals’s “Laryngeal Cancer” for cancer.