Cancer of the throat or larynx

Alternative names:

laryngeal cancer; throat cancer; vocal cord cancer

Definition:

Cancerous tumors of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

People who smoke or otherwise use tobacco are at risk of developing tumors of the throat. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk, and smoking and alcohol use together constitute an extreme risk for the development of throat cancers. Most cancers of the throat develop in adults over 50 years old, and men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers.