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Cancer of the Larynx

Definition

Cancer of the Larynx (Voice Box) also referred to as laryngeal cancer most often involves squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the larynx).

The larynx is the medical term for the voice box. It is made of cartilage and soft tissue and sits on top of the wind pipe. The vocal cords are located in the larynx, and open when we breathe, and close when we speak. The larynx also helps to keep food from going into the windpipe when we swallow. Cancer can strike in many different parts of the voice box.

Laryngeal cancer can often be cured if detected in its early stages. Most cases of laryngeal cancer are in men over 60 years old who have been smokers. Although the exact cause of laryngeal cancer is not known, it is most common among people who drink large amounts of alcohol or smoke heavily.

For information about this cancer, please visit the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase entry Laryngeal cancer. Or, please read Laryngeal Cancer: What Every Patient Should Know.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

The Head and Neck Oncology Program coordinates research and treatment efforts to provide outstanding care to those diagnosed with laryngeal cancer.

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Research Advancements

The Head and Neck Oncology Program has identified head and neck cancer stem cells. Please visit our Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer web pages to learn more.

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