Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

The larynx (voice box)

Your larynx is your voice box. It includes your vocal cords, one of the organs that helps you speak. It is found in the neck, above the opening of the trachea (windpipe).

Parts of the larynx

The larynx has 3 parts. Treatment options for laryngeal cancer depend on what part of the larynx the cancer starts in.

• The supraglottis is just above the vocal cords. It includes the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that closes off your larynx when you swallow. This keeps food and fluids from entering your trachea and going into your lungs. About one-third of laryngeal cancers start here.
• The glottis contains the vocal cords. Most laryngeal cancers start here.
• The subglottis is below the vocal cords. Only about 5% of laryngeal cancers start here.

What the larynx does

Your larynx and vocal cords help you speak, swallow, and breathe.

• The larynx produces sound for speaking. The vocal cords move and come together to change the sound and pitch of your voice.
• The larynx protects your airway when you swallow. The epiglottis and vocal cords close tightly when you swallow to keep food and fluids from entering your lungs.
• The vocal cords open naturally when you breathe so air can get in and out of your lungs.

The hypopharynx (lower throat)

Your hypopharynx is the lower part of your throat that lies right behind your larynx.

The hypopharynx is the entrance into the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. When you swallow food and liquids, they pass through your hypopharynx to your stomach. Your hypopharynx helps make sure food does not go into your larynx but instead goes around it and into your esophagus.

Ask your healthcare team to explain or show you where your cancer is. Explore the 3D interactive model here to learn more.

Types of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

Your larynx and hypopharynx are made up of several parts. Each part contains different types of cells. Cancer can start in any of these cell types.

Along with the cancer’s exact location in the larynx or hypopharynx, the type of cells the cancer started in can help guide your treatment options and outlook.

The information in this guide focuses on squamous cell carcinomas.   

Squamous cell carcinomas

Almost all laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, also called squamous cell cancers. These cancers start in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that make up the inner lining of the larynx and hypopharynx.

• Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS): This is the earliest form of squamous cell cancer. If the cancer is in situ, the cancer cells are only seen in the cells lining the larynx or hypopharynx. They have not grown into deeper layers or spread to other parts of the body. Most of these early cancers can be cured.
• Invasive squamous cell carcinoma: If CIS is not treated, it can develop into an invasive squamous cell cancer that can destroy nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Other cancers

Other rare types of cancer can also start in the larynx or hypopharynx.