What are the symptoms of cancer of the larynx?
Most cancers of the larynx being on one of the vocal cords. As even a very small tumour can prevent the two vocal cords meeting together and vibrating properly, a hoarse voice usually occurs very early in the course of the disease. In fact, hoarseness is the most important and frequent sign of early cancer of the larynx. If you are middle-aged or older and have had a hoarse voice for longer than six weeks you should ask to be seen by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist.

Less commonly, cancer can start elsewhere in the larynx. In these cases hoarseness may not be the first sign and may not develop until much later. In these rare causes the first symptom may be a change in the pitch of the voice, a lump in the throat or neck, an increasing feeling of br4eathlessness or discomfort or pain on swallowing.

If you do have any of the above symptoms, you must have them checked by a doctor - but remember - they are common to many conditions other than cancer. Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx), for example, occurs commonly with ordinary viral infections. Most people with any of the above symptoms will not have cancer. If you would like any other information, or help, please contact us.