Most cancers of the larynx begin on, or close to, one of the vocal cords. Even a small tumour can stop the two vocal cords meeting together and vibrating properly, and so a change in voice is usually an early symptom. Hoarseness is often the first sign of cancer of the larynx. If you have had hoarseness for longer than four weeks, you should ask your GP to refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Less commonly, cancer can start in a part of the larynx that is not close to the vocal cords. In this case the voice may not change. The first symptom may then be a lump in the throat or neck, or discomfort or pain when swallowing. Occasionally, the first sign is ongoing earache or breathlessness.

If you have any of the above symptoms it’s important to let your doctor know. However, the symptoms are more likely to be due to conditions other than cancer. For example, laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx), often occurs due to ordinary viral infections and causes a hoarse voice. Most people with the above symptoms will not have cancer.