The cause is unknown, however smoking and heavy use of alcohol are factors associated with this type of cancer. The main symptom produced is persistent hoarseness which is often associated with the feeling there is a lump in the throat. A change in voice quality in the middle aged person should always be investigated. There may be an associated persistent sore throat with pain referred to the ear and difficulty in swallowing or breathing may be present. A persistent cough may appear with blood stained phlegm.
Treatment consists of surgery followed by radiation.
If total removal of the larynx is necessary, speech rehabilitation will have to be considered using oesophageal speech, an artificial larynx or surgical restoration of the larynx. A Tracheotomy tube may have to be worn and may be incorporated in the speech rehabilitation.