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Cancer of the Larynx

  • Posted: 01/21/2011

About This Booklet

This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 10-1568) is about cancer that starts in the larynx. Another name for this disease is laryngeal cancer.

In 2012, about 10,000 men and 3,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Most will be over 65 years old.

Learning about medical care for cancer of the larynx can help you take an active part in making choices about your care. This booklet tells about:

  • Diagnosis and staging
  • Treatment and rehabilitation
  • Taking part in research studies

This booklet has lists of questions that you may want to ask your doctor. Many people find it helpful to take a list of questions to a doctor visit. To help remember what your doctor says, you can take notes. You may also want to have a family member or friend go with you when you talk with the doctor—to take notes, ask questions, or just listen.



Glossary Terms

cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
laryngeal cancer (luh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the larynx (area of the throat that contains the vocal cords and is used for breathing, swallowing, and talking). Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the larynx).
larynx (LAYR-inx)
The area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called voice box.