Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers might cause a variety of signs and symptoms, depending on where the cancer is located.

Hoarseness or voice changes

Laryngeal cancers that form on the vocal cords (glottis) often cause hoarseness or a change in the voice. This might lead them to be found at a very early stage.

If you have hoarseness or other voice changes that do not improve within 2 weeks, see your healthcare provider right away.

Pain and trouble breathing or swallowing might be symptoms of more advanced laryngeal cancer.

Other signs and symptoms

Hypopharyngeal cancers usually do not cause voice changes, so they are more often found at later stages. The same is true for some laryngeal cancers, including those that start above the vocal cords (supraglottis) and below the vocal cords (subglottis).

Signs and symptoms of these cancers might include:

• A sore throat that does not go away
• Pain when swallowing
• Trouble swallowing
• Ear pain
• Trouble breathing
• Weight loss
• A lump or mass in the neck

When to see a doctor

Many of the signs and symptoms of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers can also be caused by other diseases, or even by other cancers. But it’s very important to see a doctor if any of these conditions last more than a few weeks, so the cause can be found and treated if needed.