Laryngeal Cancer
Symptoms
The symptoms of cancer of the larynx depend mainly on the size and location of the tumor. Most larynx cancers, or laryngeal cancers begin on the vocal cords. These tumors are seldom painful, but they almost always cause hoarseness or other changes in the voice. Laryngeal cancer that forms in the area above the vocal cords may cause a lump on the neck, a sore throat, or an earache. Laryngeal cancer that begin in the area below the vocal cords are rare. They can make it hard to breathe, and breathing may be noisy.
Other possible symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a cough that doesn't go away or the feeling of a lump in the throat. As the laryngeal cancedr continues to grow, it may cause pain, weight loss, bad breath, and frequent choking on food. In some cases, a tumor in the larynx can make it hard to swallow.
Any of these possible symptoms may be caused by laryngeal cancer or by other, less serious problems. Only a doctor can tell for sure. People with symptoms like these usually see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist).