If larynx cancer is suspected, the doctor will examine for swellings or lumps in the neck. An angled mirror that faces downwards is placed against the back of the throat (the palate) to examine the voice box and surrounding organs. Or a flexible tube, two millimetres in diameter, is passed into one of the nostrils to the back of the throat to look for lumps or ulcers in the voice box and surrounding organs. Small pieces of tissue will be removed (biopsy) during this examination to confirm if there is cancer. This examination is performed under anaesthesia. If there is a neck lump, small pieces of tissue may also be removed using a needle and syringe. These procedures, although uncomfortable, usually last about 10 to 15 minutes.

Clinical examinations, x-rays and pathology reports all help the medical team decide what the progress of an individual case of larynx cancer may be. Then, the appropriate course of treatment will be put into action. The treatment strategy will vary from person to person. With prompt and appropriate treatment, the outlook for a person with larynx cancer is good.

The aim of the treatment of larynx cancer is to remove all the cancer and yet preserve the patient's life, voice and ability to swallow, if possible.

Minimal surgery, i.e. removing a limited portion of the voice box with the cancer, may be all that is required in early larynx cancer. In more advanced cancer, removing half or the whole of the larynx may be needed to get rid of the cancer. A temporary or permanent tracheostomy (opening in the front of the neck to allow breathing) may be required. Natural speech is lost if the patient has a permanent tracheostoma. Special techniques that allow a person to speak can be taught by speech therapists or members of the New Voice Club at the Singapore Cancer Society. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, they will also be removed.

Radiation therapy focuses high energy rays onto the cancer. This treatment is usually recommended for early stages of larynx cancer and may preserve the larynx. Side effects of radiation include sore throat, mouth ulcers, dryness of the mouth and redness of the skin.

Chemotherapy may be combined with radiation to enhance the effect of radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that will target and kill cancer. It is used when larynx cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, and bones. The drugs are usually injected into hand veins over a few hours. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, mild hair loss, and numbness of the fingers and toes.

I have smoked for more than 20 years. Lately my voice has become hoarse. Is this larynx cancer?
Smoking is a risk factor for larynx cancer and many other cancers. Hoarseness of voice is one of the symptoms of larynx cancer. Seek early medical attention.

I had surgery for lung cancer more than 10 years ago and am cured. Now, my doctor says I have larynx cancer. Can this be true?
Smokers are at risk for developing cancers of the lung, larynx, cervix, and bladder, among others. Typically smokers who have been cured of lung cancer remain at high risk for a second cancer of the upper airway and upper digestive tract. For that reason, stopping smoking and regular follow-up with your doctor is important.

I had my voice box removed for larynx cancer. Can I ever speak again?
A special valve to allow speech may be inserted after surgical removal of the voice box. This speech is not natural speech and has to be taught. The technique of speaking with this valve is not easy and needs a lot of training and motivation. Ask your doctor or the Stoma Club at the Singapore Cancer Society for more details.