Laryngeal (larynx) cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer thataffects the larynx (voice box).
The larynx is part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea). It plays an importantrole in helping you breathe and speak.
In the UK, there are about 2,400 new cases of laryngeal cancer each year.
The condition is more common in people over the age of 60. It's about four times more common in men than women.
The main symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:
Some people may also experience bad breath , breathlessness , a high-pitched wheezing noisewhenbreathing, unexplained weight loss , or fatigue (extreme tiredness).
You should visit your GP if you have hadany of the main symptoms listed above for more than three weeks.
These symptoms are often caused by less serious conditions, such as laryngitis , but it's a good idea to get them checked out.
If necessary, your GP can refer you to a hospital specialist for further tests to confirm or rule out cancer.
Instead, you will breathe through a permanent hole in your neck (stoma) and you will need additional treatment to help restore your voice.
This may include an implant in your throat, or an electrical deviceyou hold against your throat to produce sound.
Fortunately,most laryngeal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, which means the outlook is generally better than some other types of cancer.
Overall,about 70 out of every 100 people will live for at least 5 years after diagnosis andabout60 out of every 100 people will live for at least 10 years.
If you smoke, stopping smoking after being diagnosed with laryngeal cancer may improve your outlook.
Read about laryngeal cancer, including the symptoms, causes, treatments and outlook.
Find out why laryngeal cancer develops and what can increase your chances of developing the condition.
Read about the tests you might have to diagnose laryngeal cancer and find out what the different stages and grades of the condition mean.
Read about how laryngeal cancer is treated and what the main treatments involve.
Read about what happens after having surgery for laryngeal cancer, including how you will breathe and speak after the procedure.
Read about the steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing laryngeal cancer.