Laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx or voice box, typically 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 and produce extra tissue. Laryngeal cancer can occur on or above the vocal cords. This form of cancer is a common head and neck cancer in Singapore and is strongly associated with smoking.
There are three 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