The larynx, or voice box, is divided into three regions. From the top down, these are:
• The supraglottic larynx. This includes the epiglottis (a flap that keeps food from going into the lungs), the
false vocal cords, ventricles , aryepiglottic folds and arytenoids. Tumors of this area cause sore throat, painful
swallowing and sometimes a change in voice quality.
• The glottis. This includes the true vocal cords and the anterior (front) and posterior (back) commissures.
Tumors here may involve one or both vocal cords or may extend out on either side of them. Tumors are
usually detected early because they cause hoarseness. Because of these early symptoms and the lack of
lymphatic channels where cancer can spread, the cure rate is very good.
• The subglottis. This area is below the true vocal cords and extends downwards to about the first tracheal ring
(cartilage ring around the trachea). Tumors here are rare.
Almost all cancers of the larynx arise from the lining membrane (mucosa) and are called squamous cell cancers. Salivary gland cancers and other types can also occur in this area.
Cancers spread by growing directly into surrounding tissues and then to lymph nodes in the neck, usually on the same side as where the tumor started. They may still be curable at this stage, but not when they have spread elsewhere.
Common symptoms can include persistent sore throat or hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, the feeling of something in the throat, a change in voice quality and the appearance of a lump in the neck.
