Symptoms of laryngeal cancer

Hoarseness or a change in your voice

If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal cancer.

This is one of the most common symptoms. But many other things can cause a hoarse voice. One common cause is laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). This usually happens due to:

• a cold

• a chest infection

• overuse of the voice, such as shouting or screaming

Smoking can also cause hoarseness because it irritates the throat lining (mucous membranes).

Other causes of hoarseness include:

• acid reflux - when stomach acid leaks up into your food pipe (oesophagus). It can irritate the larynx

• post nasal drip - when mucus drips from the back of your nose down into your throat. This can happen if you have a cold, an allergy or because you smoke. It makes you cough and can give you a hoarse voice

• allergies

• thyroid problems

• injury

Pain or difficulty swallowing

There are many different ways this can affect you. You might get the feeling:

• that there is something small stuck in your throat

• you are unable to swallow food 

• of some pain or a burning sensation when swallowing food 

• that your food is sticking in your throat

Shortness of breath

Some people find they have a cough that doesn't go away or they find it difficult to breathe. Their breathing may become noisy (stridor).

A lump in the throat or neck

You might have a feeling there’s a lump in your throat. Or you might see a lump or swelling on your neck.

Weight loss

Weight loss is a common symptom of many cancers, including ​advanced​ laryngeal cancer. It is very unlikely to be the only symptom.

It may happen because you’re eating less due to pain or difficulty in swallowing.

You should see your doctor if you have lost weight in a short time and you are not dieting.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms include:

• an earache that doesn’t go away

• bad smelling breath

Get tips on seeing your GP about your symptoms