Laryngeal cancer symptoms

• A quick guide to what's on this page
• Reporting symptoms to your GP
• Hoarseness or a change in your voice
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Weight loss
• Cough and shortness of breath
• Other symptoms

The symptoms for cancer of the larynx can be similar to symptoms for other illnesses. But it is important that you report any of them to your doctor.

If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of cancer of the larynx. This is one of the most common symptoms. But many other things can cause a hoarse voice. One of the most common causes is acute laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). This usually happens due to a cold, a chest infection or over use of the voice, such as shouting or screaming.

Smoking can also cause hoarseness. This is due to irritation of the throat lining (mucous membranes). Other causes for hoarseness include

• Acid reflux
• Post nasal drip
• Allergies
• Thyroid problems
• Injury

Many people develop hoarseness as they get older. Acid reflux can also cause hoarseness, as stomach acid comes back up the oesophagus and irritates the larynx. Post nasal drip means that mucus is dripping from the areas at the back of your nose down into your throat. This can be because you have a cold, an allergy or because you smoke. It makes you cough and can give you a hoarse voice.

See your GP if you are at all concerned about having a hoarse voice. But remember, it is more likely to be due to a cough or irritation than cancer.

This can vary from a feeling that there is a crumb stuck in your throat to being completely unable to swallow food. You may have some pain or a burning sensation when swallowing food. Or you may feel that your food is sticking. A harmless narrowing of the oesophagus (called a stricture) can cause difficulty in swallowing. But it may be because a tumour or swelling is causing a blockage. Either way, you need to see your doctor and get some treatment.

Weight loss is a common symptom of many cancers, including cancer of the larynx. It usually happens with more advanced cancer of the larynx and is very unlikely to be the only symptom. It may happen because you are eating less due to pain or difficulty in swallowing. If you have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time (and you are not dieting!) see your doctor.

Some people find that they are short of breath or have a cough that doesn't go.

Other symptoms include

• A feeling that there is a lump in your throat
• Bad smelling breath (halitosis)
• An ear ache that doesn’t go away (this is rare)