Laryngeal (larynx) cancer presents with a range of symptoms that often relate to the tumour’s location and size within the larynx.
Since the larynx helps with speaking, breathing, and swallowing, even small growths can cause noticeable changes. Spotting the early signs of laryngeal (larynx) cancer makes a big difference. Finding it early gives a better chance of successful treatment. It can also help save the voice and breathing functions.
Hoarseness and voice changes
One of the most common early signs of laryngeal (larynx) cancer is a hoarse or changed voice that does not go away. If the cancer grows on or near the vocal cords—called glottic cancer—it changes how the cords vibrate. This makes the voice sound different. People may say their voice is rough, weak, deeper, or strained.
Unlike hoarseness from a cold or shouting, which gets better in a few days, voice changes from cancer stay and get worse slowly. If your voice changes and it lasts longer than three weeks, see a doctor right away.
Throat pain and the feeling of something stuck
Another sign is a sore throat that stays or a feeling like there’s a lump in the throat. Swallowing or drinking doesn’t make this feeling go away. It can be more noticeable when talking or using your voice for a long time. This can lead to pain when speaking and a lower ability to talk for long periods.
Trouble swallowing and ear pain
Laryngeal (larynx) cancer can also make it hard to swallow, especially when the tumour is above the vocal cords (supraglottic area). As it grows, it may block the throat partly. This makes swallowing food or pills difficult. Some people also feel pain when swallowing. This pain can spread to the ears because nerves in the throat and ears are connected.
If someone has ear pain but no ear infection, doctors should check further. This is especially true for people who smoke or drink a lot.
Persistent cough and blood in spit
Some people with laryngeal (larynx) cancer have a cough that won’t go away. Sometimes the spit may have streaks of blood. This could mean that the tumour is causing small wounds or has affected nearby blood vessels. These signs should never be ignored. The cough may be dry or bring up mucus, but it usually doesn’t get better with normal treatments like syrups or antibiotics.
Breathing problems and noisy breathing
As the tumour gets bigger, it can block the airway. This makes it harder to breathe. People may notice noisy breathing (stridor), feel short of breath, or have trouble getting enough air while walking or exercising. In serious cases, breathing can become hard even when resting. If this happens, it’s a medical emergency.
Neck lumps and swollen glands
A lump or swelling in the neck could mean the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Sometimes, this is the first sign a person notices—especially if the main tumour is above or below the vocal cords and hasn’t affected the voice. These lumps are usually firm, do not hurt, and don’t go away.
Laryngeal (larynx) cancer symptoms in late stages
When laryngeal (larynx) cancer gets worse, people may lose weight without trying. They can also feel very tired. This may happen because they are eating less or because their body is reacting to the cancer. People may say they don’t feel hungry, get tired faster, or feel weak all the time.
Some may also have bad breath or always feel the need to clear their throat. These symptoms can also happen with other issues like infections or acid reflux. But if they stay even after treatment, doctors should check for cancer.
Advanced symptoms of Laryngeal (larynx) cancer
If the cancer goes untreated or gets to a late stage, people may lose their voice completely. This can happen if the vocal cords get damaged or removed during treatment. Many also feel emotional stress. Losing the ability to speak or feeling self-conscious can hurt a person’s mental health, social life, and job.
Many of these signs look like those from other conditions such as laryngitis, allergies, acid reflux, or tense voice muscles. However, cancer symptoms do not go away quickly. They often get worse slowly. Anyone who has these symptoms—especially people who smoke or drink heavily—should see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.
Tests for Laryngeal (larynx) cancer symptoms
Doctors do not usually screen for laryngeal (larynx) cancer in healthy people. So, early diagnosis depends on knowing the symptoms and getting checked quickly. A nasendoscopy is a simple test done in the doctor’s office. A small, flexible camera goes through the nose to look at the larynx. This can help doctors see any strange growths. If they find anything, they’ll usually take a small sample (biopsy) to check for cancer.
In short, the main symptoms of laryngeal (larynx) cancer include a hoarse voice, sore throat, trouble swallowing, a lasting cough, ear pain, breathing problems, and lumps in the neck. These signs can show up alone or together. They often get worse as time goes on. Knowing these signs and acting early can lead to better treatment, a higher chance of recovery, and possibly keeping the voice.
