Introduction

Laryngeal cancer starts in the larynx, an organ in the throat that contains the vocal cords and that plays an important role in your ability to talk, eat, and breathe. Hypopharyngeal cancer starts in the hypopharynx, the lowest part of the pharynx. The pharynx is a hollow tube situated behind the mouth and nose and above the trachea (the airway between the larynx and the lungs) and esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach).

A laryngeal or hypopharyngeal tumor is a growth of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Benign laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors are made of abnormal cells that do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, the cells in cancerous laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors can metastasize.

The first symptom of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer might be a hoarse or raspy voice or a lump in the neck. Other symptoms include breathing problems, ear pain, a sore throat, and trouble swallowing.

People who smoke or use smokeless tobacco have a much higher risk of these types of cancer than people who do not use tobacco. People who drink a lot of alcohol also have a high risk, and people who both use tobacco and drink alcohol have an even higher risk. Men are much more likely to develop laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer than women, although this difference is shrinking as more women smoke and drink alcohol.

This content has been reviewed and approved by Myo Thant, MD.