Many laryngeal and some hypopharyngeal cancers can be found early. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Many of these signs and symptoms may be caused by other cancers or by less serious, benign problems. Nonetheless, it is important to see a doctor to find out whether your symptoms are caused by a cancer or a noncancerous condition. The sooner you receive a correct diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and the more effective your treatment will be.

Signs and Symptoms of Glottic Cancer

Laryngeal cancers that form on the vocal cords (glottis) are often found at a very early stage because even small tumors in this area can cause hoarseness. Hoarseness that does not improve within 2 weeks should be checked by a doctor.

A complete head and neck examination that includes laryngoscopy (viewing of the vocal cords and larynx) should be done. This examination requires special equipment and is usually done by head and neck surgeons or otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists). Laryngoscopy is discussed further in the section "How Are Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers Diagnosed?".

Signs and Symptoms of Supraglottic, Subglottic, and Hypopharyngeal Cancers

Cancers that start in the area of the larynx above the vocal cords (supraglottis), the area below the vocal cords (subglottis), or the hypopharynx are usually discovered at later stages than those on the vocal cords.

The symptoms of cancer in these areas are less clear and may include:

• A sore throat that won’t go away
• Constant coughing
• Pain when swallowing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain that won’t go away
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks
• A lump or mass in the neck

Hoarseness occurs only after these cancers reach a later stage or have spread to the vocal cords. These cancers are sometimes not found until they have spread to the lymph nodes and the patient notices a growing mass in the neck.

Spread of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers

An important factor influencing how quickly cancers spread is the distribution of lymphatic vessels in different areas of the larynx and hypopharynx. Lymphatic vessels are small channels similar to veins except, instead of carrying blood, they carry lymph between lymph nodes and other tissues in your body. Lymph is a clear fluid that contains immune system cells. Lymph nodes are bean-shaped collections of immune system cells that help fight infection and cancers.

Although lymphatic vessels help to keep body tissues healthy, they also can provide a path for cancer cells to spread along. One of the reasons glottic cancers do not spread early is that the vocal cords contain very few lymphatic vessels. On the other hand, other areas of the larynx and hypopharynx contain many lymphatic vessels, making it easier for cancers starting there to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of your body.