Laryngeal cancer: signs, causes, and diagnosis

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial tissue of this organ. It is the most common malignant tumor of the larynx: it accounts for 50–60% of cases, and about 3% of all malignant tumors in humans.

What laryngeal cancer is

Clinically, the larynx is divided into three regions: supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic. The tumor most often begins in the supraglottic region — 65% of cases — and this variant is the most malignant: it grows rapidly and metastasizes early. Cancer of the vocal cords occurs in 32% of cases and is less malignant. The subglottic region is affected least often (3%), but the tumor there develops in the submucosal layer, so it is detected later. In 98% of cases it is squamous cell carcinoma. It predominantly affects men aged 40–60 years — 80–95% of patients.

Causes and risk factors

The link with smoking is considered proven: the vast majority of patients are heavy smokers. Alcohol, work in conditions of dust and elevated temperature, tobacco smoke, benzene, petroleum products, soot, and phenolic resins increase the risk. Cancer is often preceded by many years of chronic laryngitis. Precancerous conditions include long-standing papilloma, leukoplakia, dyskeratoses, pachydermia, fibroma on a broad base, and cysts of the laryngeal ventricles. Malignant transformation of papillomas is common, therefore a long-standing papilloma is classified as a precancerous condition.

Signs of laryngeal cancer

Symptoms depend on the location and growth pattern. In supraglottic cancer, pain on swallowing that radiates to the ear on the affected side appears first; as the tumor grows, a sensation of a foreign body develops. General signs of head and neck tumors include a non-healing painful ulcer in the throat, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, change or hoarseness of the voice, and an enlarged lymph node in the neck.

Laryngeal papilloma and fibroma: how they differ from cancer

Papilloma and fibroma are benign formations, but a long-standing papilloma and a fibroma on a broad base are included in the list of precancerous diseases. The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy: the collected cells are examined under a microscope, and the doctor determines whether the formation is benign or malignant. Cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from epithelial tissue, and malignant transformation of a papilloma means its transition to cancer.

How laryngeal tumors are diagnosed

The set of examinations depends on the suspected type of tumor. Possible procedures include examination of the area where cancer may be located, blood and urine tests, endoscopy, and imaging studies. The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy or another procedure for collecting cells: they are examined under a microscope to determine whether abnormalities are present. The doctor evaluates the results and decides the scope of the examination.

When to see a doctor

Reasons for consultation include:

• hoarseness or change of voice;
• sore throat that does not go away;
• difficulty swallowing;
• a non-healing ulcer in the throat;
• an enlarged lymph node in the neck.

Hoarseness alone is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — for severe difficulty breathing, persistent suffocation, or loss of consciousness.

This material is for reference: it describes signs and examinations but does not replace consultation with a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer