The larynx includes the vocal cords. The vocal cords, of course, come together to produce a voice. They a.lso open somewhat when a person breathes in to allow more air to get into the lungs. The voice box serves another purpose. That purpose is to prevent food and liquids from getting into the lungs.
Persistent hoarseness is the most common symptom.
Throat pain, difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, enlarging lumps in the neck , and ear pain are other symptoms. Cancer occurs when some normal cells in the body transform into abnormal or malignant cells. These malignant cells no longer self-regulate their growth. Instead, theses malignant cells proliferate and grow into adjacent tissue. It is difficult for the body s immune system to identify the cancer cells as something unwanted since these cells originated as normal cells.