Laryngeal cancer or cancer of the larynx (voice box) usually refers to an abnormal growth of tissue in the larynx. This growth is called a tumour and develops when the cells in the larynx divide uncontrollably to produce extra tissue. Laryngeal cancer can occur on, above or below the vocal cords. This form of cancer is a common head and neck cancer in Singapore and is strongly linked to smoking.
There are 3 types of laryngeal cancer:
- Glottic cancer that affects the vocal cords
- Supraglottic cancer that affects tissues above the vocal cords
- Subglottic cancer that affects tissues below the vocal cords