In a survey, it is estimated that about 2200 peoples are diagnosed with larynx cancer every year in UK. The cancer found in the cells of the larynx, the voice box is known as larynx cancer. The growth of the cells which make up the larynx becomes uncontrollable, they multiply and divide in an unmanageable form. This increased number of tissues in the larynx give rise to a tumor which is known as laryngeal cancer.

Larynx is tube like structure which is about 2 inches long and is found in the neck. It helps us in breathing, swallowing food and in talking also. It is the upper part of the windpipe. The air which we inhale through the nose or mouth is passed to the windpipe through the larynx. The front part of the larynx that can be seen and felt as a lump in the neck is known as Adam's apple. esophagus lies below the larynx. There are two vocal cords, bands of the muscles in the larynx. The larynx is mainly divided in three parts- the supra glottis(the top part of the vocal cords), glottis (where vocal cords are situated) and the sub glottis(part which connects the larynx to the trachea, the windpipe). The larynx is just like a valve over the trachea which prevents the food from entering the windpipe. The vocal cords of the larynx helps in producing the sound of the voice. Larynx cancer symptoms are more common among men than women. People of older age are more prone to the larynx cancer than the younger age peoples. Heavy smoking and drinking alcohol are one of the major reasons for developing larynx cancer.

The main larynx cancer symptoms is the change in the voice. The symptoms of the larynx cancer may or may not causes pain. Hoarseness in the voice remaining for more than 3 weeks can be a major laryngeal cancer symptoms. This symptom mainly appears when the tumor is in the glottis, where the vocal cords are found. The larynx cancer symptoms varies depending upon the size and location of tumor in the larynx.

Tumor found in the supra glottis, the upper part of the vocal cords causes sore throat, earache and a lump in the neck. The tumor of the larynx in the sub glottis, the lower part of the vocal cords which connects it to the windpipe is very rare. It may cause difficulty in breathing and talking. Noise while breathing and breathlessness can also be some of the consequences of the laryngeal cancer. A cough remaining for more than four weeks can also be an important larynx cancer symptom.

As the cancer grows to its advanced stage, it start causing pain, results in unwanted weight loss, bad breathe and difficulty in swallowing food. Earache can be experienced as the consequence of the larynx cancer because the nerves of the throat are also connected to the nerves of the ear. A sore throat or the feeling that something have strucked in the throat can also be one of the major symptoms of the laryngeal cancer. If you notice any of the above mentioned larynx cancer symptoms, consult your doctor immediately for further treatment.