Other symptoms may include throat or ear pain, lumps in the neck or throat, blood in the sputum, or a persistent cough. Cancer of the larynx usually occurs in patients over the age of 55, and is four times more likely to occur in men than in women. It is also more prevalent in the African-American population than in the caucasian population. Smoking, especially in combination with heavy alcohol consumption, also increases the risk of cancer. The treatment for cancer of the larynx depends on the size and stage of the tumor, as well as the age, health, and opinions of the patient.
Treatment usually involves radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of the two.
In radiation therapy, high-energy rays are directed at a tumor and the surrounding tissue to stop the cancer and prevent its spread. Radiation therapy usually lasts five days a week for five to six weeks. For larger tumors, or if radiation therapy has failed, surgery may be indicated. A partial laryngectomy may be performed, in which only a portion of the larynx is removed. This is the preferred treatment because it often preserves the voice.