Cancer Types
Common cancer types: symptoms, diagnostic methods and current treatment options.
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Laryngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sources reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali OğulLast updated: October 2026
Laryngeal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, staging, voice-preserving treatment, surgery, chemoradiotherapy and immunotherapy. Medical oncology in Mersin.
Key information
| Definition | A malignant tumour of the larynx, mostly squamous cell |
|---|---|
| Main risks | Smoking, alcohol, some occupational exposures |
| Common symptoms | Hoarseness lasting more than 2–3 weeks, difficulty swallowing |
| Diagnosis | Laryngoscopy and biopsy, neck CT or MRI |
| Treatment | Radiotherapy, surgery, chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy |
What is laryngeal cancer?
Laryngeal cancer develops from the larynx (voice box), where the vocal cords are located, and the great majority are squamous cell carcinomas. Tumours arising from the vocal cord region (glottic) cause hoarseness early and are therefore usually detected at an early stage. Besides disease control, preserving voice, swallowing and breathing are key goals of treatment; the plan is made jointly by ENT-head and neck surgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology [1][2].
Risk factors
Smoking and alcohol are the most important risk factors, and the risk increases further when they are combined. Some occupational exposures (asbestos, paint and chemical fumes) and reflux have also been linked to the risk [2][3].
What are the symptoms?
Hoarseness lasting more than two to three weeks is the most common symptom. Difficulty or pain when swallowing, pain radiating to the ear, a lump in the neck, shortness of breath, persistent cough and blood in the sputum may also occur. Prolonged hoarseness requires an ENT examination [1][3].
Most of these complaints can also be caused by other conditions; complaints that persist or get worse need to be assessed by a doctor.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by endoscopic examination (laryngoscopy) and biopsy. Neck CT or MRI, and PET-CT in advanced disease, are used to assess spread. Dental examination and nutrition and swallowing assessment are recommended before treatment [1][4].
Staging
Staging follows the AJCC/UICC TNM system. The region of the larynx involved (supraglottic, glottic, subglottic), vocal cord mobility and lymph node involvement determine the stage [1][4].
Treatment options
- Early stage: Radiotherapy or larynx-preserving surgery such as transoral laser surgery can provide similar disease control; the choice depends on voice quality, patient preference and tumour features.
- Locally advanced stage – organ preservation: In suitable patients, radiotherapy given concurrently with cisplatin aims to preserve the larynx; in selected patients induction chemotherapy may be followed by radiotherapy depending on response.
- Total laryngectomy: Surgery may be preferred when the tumour has destroyed the laryngeal cartilage or the larynx has lost its function; voice rehabilitation (voice prosthesis, etc.) follows.
- Recurrent or metastatic disease: Depending on PD-L1 (CPS) status, pembrolizumab alone or with platinum-based chemotherapy; cetuximab-containing regimens and, in later lines, nivolumab are among the options [4][5].
- Support: Nutrition, swallowing and speech therapy and oral-dental care are an integral part of treatment.
Treatment is planned individually, taking into account the stage, tumour characteristics, general condition and the patient’s preferences. Not every option listed here is suitable for every patient.
Recent developments
Immunotherapy has become standard treatment in advanced head and neck cancer. Results of studies of immunotherapy before and after surgery in locally advanced disease have begun to be reflected in guidelines; these approaches should be assessed on an individual basis [4][5].
Support and follow-up during treatment
During treatment, not only the anti-cancer drugs but also the patient’s general condition is monitored. Nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, infection risk and changes in mood are asked about at every visit; when needed, preventive medication, nutritional support, physiotherapy and psychosocial support are planned. In situations such as fever, shortness of breath, uncontrollable diarrhoea or vomiting, or new severe pain, it is advisable to contact the treatment team without waiting for the scheduled visit. Herbal products and supplements can interact with some cancer drugs, so the treatment team should be consulted before using them.
ENT examination is carried out every 1–3 months in the first 2 years and less often thereafter, with imaging when needed. Thyroid function should be monitored after radiotherapy. Stopping smoking reduces the risk of recurrence and second cancers.
Frequently asked questions
Hoarseness lasting more than two to three weeks, especially in smokers, should be assessed by an ENT specialist.
In early disease the voice can usually be preserved with radiotherapy or conservative surgery; in advanced disease organ-preserving chemoradiotherapy options are considered.
Speech can be regained with methods such as a voice prosthesis, oesophageal speech or an electrolarynx; a speech therapist supports this process.
Yes. Stopping smoking supports the effectiveness of treatment, reduces side effects and lowers the risk of a second cancer.
Call +90 530 250 54 85 or write to the same number via WhatsApp. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
At the medical oncology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital, Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye. The assessment is done in person.
When needed, yes. The multidisciplinary tumour board meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment is planned jointly.
Yes. A second opinion is a common way to clarify a treatment plan. Bring your pathology, imaging and discharge reports to the clinic for the assessment.
Pathology report, imaging reports and, if possible, the image CDs, discharge summary, recent blood tests and a list of the medicines you take. Translated copies are helpful if your documents are not in Turkish or English.
Medical oncology consultation for laryngeal cancer in Mersin
If you have been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, or your diagnostic work-up is ongoing, you can apply for a medical oncology consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital (Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye). Medical oncology covers the planning of drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy, the monitoring of side effects and follow-up after treatment. The hospital has a day treatment unit where drug treatments are given.
Treatment decisions are made by a team. When needed, patient files are discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board, which meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 with specialists from the relevant departments.
For appointments, call +90 530 250 54 85 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number with your name, diagnosis and reason for the request; you can also send your reports. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. No diagnosis or treatment recommendation is given via WhatsApp; the assessment takes place in person at the clinic. Consultations are held in Turkish.
Appointment
Evaluation and second opinion
If you have been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer or would like a second opinion on your current treatment plan, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul with your pathology report and imaging results.
This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References
- EHNS-ESMO-ESTRO Guidelines – Head and neck cancers. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/head-and-neck-cancers
- NCI – Laryngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ). Accessed: October 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/adult/laryngeal-treatment-pdq
- WHO/IARC – Global Cancer Observatory. Accessed: October 2026. https://gco.iarc.who.int/
- NCCN Guidelines – Head and Neck Cancers. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
- ASCO Guideline – Larynx Preservation. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/guidelines
Links open external sources. The references were accessible as of October 2026.