Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer

The symptoms of cancer of the larynx depend mainly on the size of the tumor and where it is in the larynx. Symptoms may include the following:

• Hoarseness or other voice changes

• A lump or swelling in the neck

• Pain in the neck

• A sore throat that doesn't go away within 1 to 2 weeks, even with antibiotics

• Feeling like something is stuck in your throat

• Difficulty swallowing

• A cough that does not go away

• Coughing up blood

• Problems breathing

• Bad breath

• An earache

• Unexplained weight loss

Since these symptoms may be caused by cancer or another less serious problems, you should seek medical attention for proper diagnosis.

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Additional Resources

• Laryngeal Cancer Defined
• Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer
• Diagnosing Laryngeal Cancer
• Treating Laryngeal Cancer

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Sources

• National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 02-1568, Sept. 20, 2006
• Laryngeal cancer. Philadelphia (PA): Intracorp; 2005. Various p., Sept. 20, 2006
• MedlinePlus, William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sept. 20, 2006