When you lose your voice, it’s easy to dismiss it as a seasonal cold or fatigue. However, if a hoarse voice lasts for more than two weeks, it could be an early sign of laryngeal cancer. This type of cancer is more common in people over 60, and early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes, making it crucial to be aware of potential warning signs.
The Larynx — Commonly Known as the “Adam’s Apple” — Is the Most Frequent Site of Head and Neck Cancer
According to the medical community, the larynx is part of the airway that includes the vocal cords, enabling both breathing and voice production in the mid-neck region. If your voice changes suddenly or gradually, it’s most likely a signal that something is wrong with the vocal cords or larynx.
Professor Nam In Cheol of the Department of Otolaryngology at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, explained that voice changes usually indicate alterations on the surface of the vocal cords caused by various factors. If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks, a proper medical diagnosis is necessary.
The larynx is the part of the neck that protrudes when the head is tilted back, and it’s more prominent in men—hence the nickname “Adam’s apple.” Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the larynx and is the most common type of cancer among head and neck cancers. It accounts for about 0.6% of all cancers in South Korea, with an incidence rate of 3–4 cases per 100,000 people. Most patients are aged 60 and above. The cancer most often occurs in the glottis (vocal cords) and supraglottis (above the vocal cords), while subglottic cancers (below the vocal cords) are relatively rare.
The most definitive cause of laryngeal cancer is smoking. It is predominantly found in men who smoke and is rare among women. However, with a rise in smoking rates among women, the incidence among female patients is also increasing. A smoker’s risk of developing laryngeal cancer is directly proportional to the amount and duration of smoking.
Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke causes gradual changes in the laryngeal mucosal cells, which can eventually transform into cancer cells. Professor Lim Young Chang of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Konkuk University Medical Center emphasized that smokers and individuals over 60 should undergo a thorough medical examination.
Alcohol consumption is another contributing factor in cancer development. Acetaldehyde, a harmful byproduct of alcohol metabolism, plays a toxic role. People who both smoke and drink heavily are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop cancer compared to those who engage in only one of these behaviors.
Missing the Window Can Impact Survival and Quality of Life
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer vary depending on its location and stage. In the early stages, symptoms may resemble a common cold, making it difficult to detect. Along with hoarseness, patients may experience a sensation of something being stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing, a dry cough, or throat pain.
Nevertheless, laryngeal cancer has one of the best prognoses among head and neck cancers. When the tumor is located on the vocal cords, hoarseness appears early, allowing for timely detection. It also rarely spreads to lymph nodes.
Because the larynx is encased in cartilage, the cancer does not easily spread. For early-stage glottic cancer, the cure rate approaches 100 percent. Professor Lim explained that lesions can be easily detected via endoscopy, so timely diagnosis is crucial when symptoms appear.
If the lesion is confined to the vocal cords, it can be treated with voice-preserving surgery or endoscopic resection. However, if the cancer extends beyond the vocal cords to the outer larynx, a total laryngectomy may be required, and voice rehabilitation becomes essential.
Laryngeal cancer is considered a preventable disease. Studies show that less than 5 percent of cases occur in non-smokers, supporting the idea that lifestyle choices play a critical role. After 15 years of quitting smoking, the risk drops to the same level as that of non-smokers.
Professor Nam emphasized that people who frequently smoke or drink should be aware of the increased risk of laryngeal cancer. He added that preserving vocal function is key, and if you notice a change in your voice or feel a lump in your neck, you should visit a hospital immediately.
Professor Lim added that vocal cord disorders are relatively easy to treat if caught early, but delaying diagnosis can affect not only survival rates but also overall quality of life. He advised that anyone experiencing hoarseness for more than two weeks should seek medical attention without delay.
