Laryngeal (larynx) cancer develops when the cells lining the inside of the larynx change abnormally and start growing uncontrollably. Over time, these cells form malignant tumours. These tumours can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. The exact cause of laryngeal (larynx) cancer often involves a mix of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors. These disrupt normal cell control within the larynx.
Tobacco use: The main cause
The most important and well-known cause of laryngeal (larynx) cancer is tobacco use. This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as chewing tobacco. Tobacco has many cancer-causing chemicals that damage the lining of the throat and larynx. These chemicals change the DNA in the cells lining the larynx. This increases the chance of mutations and cancer. The risk rises with how much and how long someone uses tobacco. Long-term smokers, especially those who start young, have the highest risk.
Alcohol use and combined risk
Heavy drinking is another major risk factor closely linked to smoking. Alcohol can irritate and inflame the larynx lining. When combined with tobacco, the risk of cancer increases greatly. The effects of alcohol and tobacco together are much stronger than either alone. People who both smoke and drink heavily can be up to 100 times more likely to get laryngeal cancer than those who do not.
Occupational exposures
Exposure to harmful substances at work can also cause laryngeal (larynx) cancer. People who breathe in asbestos, wood dust, coal dust, diesel fumes, or certain chemicals may have higher risk. These substances can cause long-term irritation and damage to the larynx cells. Workers in industries such as construction, metalworking, textiles, and chemicals are especially affected.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
HPV, especially type 16, is another cause. HPV is more often linked to throat cancers but can infect the larynx too. HPV-related laryngeal cancers tend to happen in younger people who do not smoke. These cancers may react differently to treatment. HPV spreads through intimate contact, including oral sex. Rising HPV-related cancers have led to public health efforts promoting HPV vaccination.
Acid reflux (GORD)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), or acid reflux, may also raise risk. In GORD, stomach acid flows back into the throat and larynx. This acid irritates the lining over time. While acid reflux alone rarely causes cancer, it can increase risk when combined with smoking or drinking.
Poor diet and nutrition
A diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase the chance of laryngeal cancer. Lack of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre can weaken the body’s ability to repair damaged cells. Diets high in processed meats and low in plant foods link to several cancers, including those in the head and neck.
Genetic factors
Genetic predisposition plays a smaller role. People with a family history of head and neck cancers might inherit weaker defenses against carcinogens. This makes them more vulnerable to tobacco and alcohol effects. Still, most laryngeal (larynx) cancer cases happen without a clear inherited pattern.
Age and gender risks
Age and gender also affect risk. Laryngeal cancer is much more common in men. This is partly because men have historically smoked and drank more. Risk increases with age, and most cases occur in people over 60.
Immune system suppression
Weakened immunity from medical treatments, HIV, or organ transplants may also raise risk. A weaker immune system can fail to remove cells with early cancer changes. This allows cancer to develop.
In many cases, laryngeal (larynx) cancer results from several causes combined. For example, a smoker who drinks heavily and works with toxic chemicals faces a much higher risk than someone exposed to only one factor. Knowing these multiple causes helps with prevention and guides early detection efforts in high-risk groups.
In conclusion, laryngeal (larynx) cancer is mainly caused by tobacco and alcohol use. However, other factors like workplace exposures, HPV infection, acid reflux, poor diet, and immune suppression also contribute. Awareness of these causes is key to public health and personal prevention. Avoiding smoking, heavy drinking, and unprotected HPV exposure can greatly reduce the risk of this serious disease.
