What are the signs of laryngeal cancer?
Signs or symptoms of larynx cancer are somewhat dependent on where the cancer is growing (supraglottis, glottis, subglottis). Patients with glottic cancer, or cancer that grows on the true vocal cords, often present with the early sign of hoarseness. This occurs because even a slight interference with the vibrating function of the vocal cords can produce voice changes. Hence, any long-standing hoarseness or voice changes should prompt a laryngeal examination. If hoarseness is ignored or if advanced disease occurs, airway obstruction, pain, or difficulty swallowing can result. Supraglottic cancers usually do not produce early signs or symptoms, so supraglottic cancers are more often in advanced stage upon diagnosis. Hoarseness can also occur with supraglottic cancer, though usually later in the disease state. Also, in patients with supraglottic cancer, voice changes referred to as “hot potato voice” can occur. This can be described as the type of voice someone would speak in if they had
