Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancer

Why choose us for laryngeal cancer care?

Your voice is unique and essential for interacting with the world around you. If you are facing a diagnosis of larynx (voice box) cancer, you can put your trust in our team. At Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, you have access to leading therapies and a team of experts who personalize your care.

Fellowship-trained head and neck surgeons, along with other highly skilled cancer doctors, work together in meetings called tumor boards. We coordinate the therapies and supportive therapies that are right for you. We take a focused approach that emphasizes treating cancer while preserving voice and swallowing function.

Laryngeal cancer is one of many forms of head and neck cancer that our experienced team treats. Read more about our head and neck cancer program.

What you need to know about voice box cancer

• The larynx houses your vocal cords and connects with other neck organs that help you breathe, speak and swallow.
• Because of the larynx’s role in voice and swallow function, it is important to receive care from a specialized team, such as ours. We use leading techniques and technologies to deliver precise care while protecting sensitive tissue near the cancer. This approach lowers the chances of complications.
• You face a higher risk of laryngeal cancer if you regularly use tobacco or consume alcohol. Quitting these substances may help treatments work better and lowers the risk of another cancer in the future. Find out more about tobacco use and cancer.
• Voice box cancer care typically involves many doctor visits, diagnostic tests and treatments. Our head and neck cancer nurse navigator helps coordinate these services.

How to talk to your doctor about laryngeal cancer

Our caring and experienced team of physicians guide you through every step of the treatment process.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Additional testing: Tests may include high-resolution imaging scans, like computed tomography (CT), to determine the size and location of the cancer.
• Diagnosis: It’s important to know the type of laryngeal cancer, what may have caused it and its stage.
• Treatment options: Your treatment plan may include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. You’ll need to know what treatments to expect and how soon you may start them.
• Supportive therapies: Support often includes speech therapy to help you maintain your ability to speak or swallow during and after treatment.

You will need to make crucial decisions about your care, but you are not alone. We provide you with the information and guidance you need. We also encourage you to bring your loved ones with you to your appointments for extra support.

Research and clinical trials

Mays Cancer Center is home to a nationally recognized research program. Eligible patients have access to clinical trials for innovative therapies. You may be able to receive these therapies years before they become widely available.

Read more about cancer research and clinical trials.