Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
• Abnormal lump in the throat or neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain when swallowing
• Frequent choking on food
• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Persistent ear pain or an unusual ear fullness or sensation in and around the skin of the ear
• Unplanned, significant weight loss
• Persistent bad breath

These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your healthcare provider.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Laryngoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the larynx
• Biopsy—removal of a sample of laryngeal tissue to test for cancer cells
• Chest x-ray—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of the larynx and nearby structures
• CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the larynx
• MRI scan—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the larynx