Cancer of the larynx is one of a group of tumours which doctors group together as 'head and neck' cancers. This group includes cancers which develop in the mouth, throat and nasal sinuses. Although this means there are many different types of head and neck cancer these tumours are uncommon. Overall head and neck cancers make up less than 1 in 20 (5%) of all cancers in the UK.

The main treatments for cancer of the larynx are radiotherapy and surgery.

For early, small, cancers either radiotherapy or surgery are very effective and offer a good chance of a cure. If the cancer is limited to the vocal cords (which are part of the larynx) then radiotherapy is usually preferred, as it avoids the need for a laryngectomy (an operation to remove the voice box) and the problems with speech that this causes.

For more advanced, larger, cancers the two types of treatment are often combined. This may be done by having an operation first, followed by radiotherapy to 'mop up' any microscopic remnants of the tumour that may have been left behind. Alternatively radiotherapy may be given first (sometimes in combination with chemotherapy) with surgery kept in reserve to deal with any signs of recurrence of the growth that may appear at a later date.

The choice of which is the best approach to treatment does vary from person to person. The exact position of the growth, its size and extent (or 'stage'), the age and general fitness of the individual patient all have an influence and must be taken into account.

Usually in cancer decisions about treatment are guided by the results of clinical trials. But because head and neck cancers form such a varied group of tumours and because they are relatively uncommon it has proved very difficult to carry out reliable studies to compare the results of radiotherapy and surgery for these cancers.

Instead the approach has been to move towards 'multidisciplinary' decision making. This means that anyone who is found to have a head and neck cancer should be seen by a team of specialists, including an expert in surgery and an expert in radiotherapy. This team will then look together at all the findings and results and give advice about what they feel is the best treatment option for that individual. This may be surgery, or radiotherapy or a combination of the two but the treatment recommended will be the result of careful thought by a panel of experts in the field.

Multidisciplinary teams for the treatment of head and neck cancers have been established across the UK. They are not in every hospital, so it may involve some travelling to get to see them and to have treatment. Although this may be inconvenient it is very important in order to get the best possible care.

So the key thing for your father is to make sure that he is being seen by an expert team in head and neck cancer who will have all the experience and resources necessary to give the best guidance and treatment for his particular tumour.