Cancer of the larynx, or voicebox, occurs when malignant cells arise in tissues of this area. The larynx contains the vocal cords for speech and protects the airway. This type of cancer is most common in people who smoke.

There are three main parts of the larynx:

• Glottis – middle (where the vocal cords are located)
• Supraglottis – tissue above the glottis
• Subglottis – tissue below the glottis

Signs and symptoms

• Persistent sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Change in voice or hoarseness
• Pain in the ear
• A lump in the neck

Stages of larynx cancer

• Stage I is the stage where the cancer is in a central location where it started and has not spread.
• Stage II occurs when the cancer is only in the larynx and has not spread to any other parts of the body.
• Stage III is when the cancer has not spread but the vocal cords cannot move normally; the cancer has spread to the tissues next to the larynx; or the cancer has spread to one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer.
• Stage IV occurs when the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues; the lymph nodes may or may not contain cancer; the cancer has spread to more than one lymph node on either side of the neck; or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Recurrent larynx cancer occurs when the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated.

Treatment Options

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Cordectomy – surgery that removes only the vocal cord
• Supraglottic laryngectony – surgery that removes only the supraglottis
• Partial or hemilaryngectomy – surgery that removes only part of the larynx
• Total laryngectomy – surgery that removes the entire larynx

Information

For more information about the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment, please call (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000.

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Shands at UF Cancer Services Navigation

History

University of Florida Shands Cancer Center 2007 Annual Report (PDF file)

Types of Cancer

Brain Cancer

Breast Cancer

Colon Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancers

Genitourinary Cancers

Gynecological Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Larynx Cancer

Leukemia

Lung Cancer

Lymphoma

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Cancer Treatment

Bone Marrow Transplant

Brachytherapy

Chemotherapy

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Surgery

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about cancer services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.