In laryngeal cancer, a cancerous tumor develops on the vocal cords themselves or just above or below the cords. The exact cause is unknown, but it is associated with smoking, high alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain substances, such as coal dust or asbestos.
The main symptom of lanryngeal cancer is hoarseness, especially when the tumor originates on the vocal cords.
Other symptoms may include pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat, and a persistent cough.
In advanced cases, there may also be difficulty breathing. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the neck, the nodes become enlarged and cause swelling in the neck. Treatment depends on how far advanced the cancer is, but may include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. In some cases, other medication may also be used