Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers begin in the lower part of the throat. Laryngeal cancer starts in the voice box (larynx) and is treated depending on where it is located: in the glottis (which contains the vocal cords) or in the supraglottis or subglottis, which are above and below the vocal cords. Hypopharyngeal cancer starts in the part of the throat beside and behind the larynx.

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. The nasal cavity is the space just behind the nose where air passes on its way to the throat. The paranasal sinuses are the air-filled areas around the nasal cavity.

Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the air passageway at the upper part of the throat behind the nose (nasopharynx).

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The oral cavity includes the mouth and tongue. The oropharynx includes the middle of the throat, from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box.

Salivary gland cancer can begin in the major or minor salivary glands. About 7 out of 10 salivary gland tumors start in the parotid glands, located just in front of the ears. Cancers start much less frequently in the submandibular glands below the jaw, and rarely in the sublingual glands located under the floor of the mouth and below either side of the tongue. Several hundred microscopic minor salivary glands are located under the lining of the lips and tongue; in the roof of the mouth; and inside the cheeks, nose, sinuses, and larynx.

Chondrosarcomas or synovial sarcomas can develop from connective tissues of the larynx or hypophyarynx. These cancers are extremely rare.

Melanomas usually start in the skin, but in rare cases they can start in the larynx or hypophyarynx.

Age, Chemical exposure, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Gender, Genetics, Human papillomavirus (HPV), More than one alcoholic drink per day, Poor nutrition, Poor oral and dental hygiene, Race, Tobacco use

Age — More than half of patients with cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx are first diagnosed at age 65 or older. Risk increases for people above age 40.

Chemical exposure — Long and intense exposure to wood dust, paint fumes, and some chemicals used in the metalworking, petroleum, plastics, and textile industries can increase the risk of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Some studies have also suggested a link between asbestos exposure and laryngeal cancer, but not all studies agree.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a role in the nasopharyngeal cancer development.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a suspected risk factor for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers and is currently being studied.

Gender — Men are two to three times more likely than women to get cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx, likely due to differences in smoking and heavy alcohol use. However, women’s risks for these cancers have increased as they engage more commonly in those habits.

Genetics — Two genetic syndromes — Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita — are associated with a very high risk of throat cancer, including cancer of the hypopharynx.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the throat may contribute to some cancers of the tonsils and hypopharynx. HPV infection is very rarely a factor in laryngeal cancer.

More than one alcoholic drink per day increases risk, but not as much as smoking does. However, people who use both tobacco and alcohol have the highest risk of all and are many times more likely to get head and neck cancer than people with neither habit.

Poor nutrition — A diet low in vitamins A and B can increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.

Poor oral and dental hygiene may increase the risk of head and neck cancer.

Race — Cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx are more common among African Americans and whites than among Asians and Latinos.

Tobacco use — Eighty-five percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and secondhand smoke can also increase risk. This is the most important risk factor.

Research suggests that other potential risk factors include marijuana use and lowered immunity.

Hoarseness or voice changes. Consult a health care provider if these changes do not improve within two weeks.

Cancers that start in the area of the larynx above or below the vocal cords or in the hypopharynx do not usually cause voice changes. Symptoms may include:

Swelling or a sore that does not heal; this is the most common symptom

A sore throat that does not go away

Constant coughing

Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue

Ear pain or infection

Trouble breathing

A lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area, with or without pain

A red or white patch in the mouth

Foul mouth odor not explained by hygiene

Nasal obstruction or persistent nasal congestion

Frequent nose bleeds and/or unusual nasal discharge

Double vision

Numbness or weakness of a body part in the head and neck region

Blood in the saliva or phlegm

Loosening of teeth

Dentures that no longer fit

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Radiation therapy can be used to treat laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers in several ways:

As the main treatment for some early stage cancers. If the tumor is small, radiation can often destroy it without the need for surgery.

To treat patients who are too sick to have surgery

To destroy small areas of cancer that might remain after surgery

To treat returning cancer (recurrence)

To ease symptoms of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, such as pain, bleeding, trouble swallowing, and problems caused when cancer spreads to the bones, as part of palliative care.

Before beginning radiation therapy for any type of head and neck cancer, patients should be examined by an oncologic dentist or oral oncologist. Damaged teeth may need to be removed.