Health encyclopaedia

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Cancer of the larynx

The larynx (sometimes called the 'voice box') is the box-like structure at the beginning of the windpipe. The box is made partly of gristle (cartilage) and has a prominent front part, especially in men, called the Adam’s apple. The larynx contains the vocal cords and it is there that the basic sounds, that are then modified to form the speaking and singing voice, are produced. The larynx acts to protect against food getting into the lungs and makes coughing possible.

Cancer of the larynx is comparatively rare and occurs most often in smokers and heavy drinkers. If the cancer is confined to the vocal cords it causes obvious voice changes and is likely to be diagnosed early. In addition, spread from the vocal cords to other parts is slow. In this case the outlook is favourable.

Unfortunately, cancer elsewhere in the larynx is likely to be well advanced before symptoms of breathing or swallowing difficulty arise and the prospects of cure is worse.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment

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