Larynx, cancer of

A cancerous tumour of the larynx. The exact causes of this cancer are not known, but smoking and high alcohol consumption may be associated factors. Hoarseness is the main symptom, particularly when the tumour originates on the vocal cords. At an advanced stage, symptoms may include difficulty in breathing and swallowing, and coughing up blood. If laryngoscopy reveals a tumour on the larynx, a biopsy is carried out. If the tumour is small, radiotherapy or laser treatment may be used. For unresponsive and large tumours, partial or total laryngectomy may be considered.