UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

When cancer strikes the larynx, or voice box, many patients have two primary concerns. One is beating the cancer. The other is the risk of losing their voices and their ability to swallow and breathe due to cancer or cancer treatment.

At UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, we share these same two priorities. That’s why our internationally renowned head and neck cancer specialists are continually working to refine surgical, radiation and drug therapies to successfully treat laryngeal cancer while also maintaining quality of life. As a result, we can point to outstanding survival outcomes for our patients, and many patients are able to retain or regain their ability to speak, breathe and swallow.  

About Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer that affects the voice box in your neck. The vocal cords within your voice box allow you to speak and sing. In addition, the larynx plays key roles in your ability to swallow and breathe. 

There are three parts of the larynx:

  • The supraglottis, or the upper part of the larynx
  • The glottis, or the middle of the larynx, including the vocal cords 
  • The subglottis, or the bottom of the larynx

Most laryngeal cancers begin in the glottis or supraglottis. In addition, most cancers affecting the voice box are called squamous cell carcinomas because they develop in the squamous cells that line the voice box. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Treatment

We’ve assembled one of the most experienced and renowned teams of head and neck cancer clinicians in the world, which ensures our patients have access to the best medical, surgical and radiation oncology expertise as well as knowledgeable support from speech pathologists, nurse practitioners, nutritionists and others.

In addition, UChicago Medicine offers more head and neck cancer clinical trials than any other Chicago hospital. Clinical trials test various novel treatments and treatment combinations.

The following is a broad overview of how early-stage and advanced laryngeal cancer is treated. However, at UChicago Medicine, we place a major emphasis on listening to what matters to our patients. By working closely together, our team members will combine their knowledge to work to achieve your treatment goals and preferences, taking into account your specific cancer diagnosis.

Convenient Locations for Cancer Care

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for head and neck cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment: Expert Q & A

Head and neck surgeon Nishant Agrawal, MD, and medical oncologist Ari Rosenberg, MD, answer questions about head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment, and share details about advances in treatment and research.