stage IVB laryngeal cancer

Stage IV laryngeal cancer is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC. In stage IVB, (1) cancer may have spread from the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis to the space in front of the spine, the area around the carotid artery, or the area between the lungs. The vocal cords may not work normally. Cancer has spread: (a) to one lymph node that is larger than 6 centimeters. Cancer has not spread through the outside covering of the lymph node; or (b) to one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the primary tumor and the lymph node is larger than 3 centimeters. Cancer has spread through the outside covering of the lymph node; or (c) to more than one lymph node anywhere in the neck. Cancer has spread through the outside covering of the lymph nodes; or (d) to one lymph node of any size on the side of the neck opposite the primary tumor. Cancer has spread through the outside covering of the lymph node; OR (2) cancer has spread from the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis to the space in front of the spine, the area around the carotid artery, or the area between the lungs. Cancer may have also spread to one or more lymph nodes anywhere in the neck and the lymph nodes may be any size.