A growth on the larynx may be either benign (unlikely to spread), or malignant (likely tospread and threaten life). There are two types of benign tumors of the larynx: papillomas, which usually appear several at a time; and polyps, which usually appear one at a time. Both types usually can be removed without permanent ill-effects. They seem to be caused by misuse or over use of the vocal cords. Malignant tumors occur most often in people who smoke heavily.

What are the Symptoms?

Hoarseness is usually the only symptom of a tumor is lowing difficult, and you may have an increasingly obvious lump in your neck. In a child, because the airway through the larynx is narrow, a tumor of the larynx may give the voice a high-pitched crowing sound, known as stridor , because of the obstruction.

Hoarseness that is caused by benign growths is usually intermittent, but hoarseness due to cancer is continuous and gradually worsens. Since it is not painful and comes on slowly, you may scarcely notice it during its early stages.

What are the Risks?

Although neither type of tumor of the larynx is very common, benign tumors are slightly less common than malignant ones. The American Cancer Society estimates that there are about 11,000 new cases of cancer of the larynx each year, and that about 9,000 of those affected will be men.

The main risk is that if you ignore slowly increasing hoarseness, and if that hoarseness is caused by a malignant tumor, it may be too late to deal successfully with the cancer. Cancer of the larynx can almost always be cured if it is diagnosed early. If it is not discovered in time, it can either spread to other parts of the throat or get into the blood stream and produce metastases, or secondary cancers, elsewhere in your body.

What Should be Done?

Do not ignore unexpected vocal changes. If you remain hoarse for more than a week, or if hoarseness keeps coming back, consult your physician. If your throat shows no signs of the inflammation that accompanies laryngitis, the physician may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist, who will examine your larynx by reflecting a light from a mirror held at the back of the throat. If there is swelling or any other sign of a growth, the specialist will probably do an endoscopic examination, and a biopsy, which determine whether you have a tumor and, if so, whether it is malignant.

What is the Treatment?

Self-help: No self-help is possible.

Professional help: Benign growths, whether papillomas or polyps, can usually be removed in a minor operation done under local anesthetic. Malignant tumors discovered early are generally treated, and in most cases cured, by radiation therapy. If the cancer is more advanced, the larynx may have to be removed. Even then there is about an even chance of cure. To regain your voice, however, you will have to work with a speech therapist, who may teach you how to use the esophagus as a substitute for the larynx. An alternative technique involves implanting an artificial valve between the esophagus and the trachea. The valve permits air to move out of the lungs, through the valve, and up the esophagus, where you produce the sounds used in speech.