Laryngeal Cancer and Papillomatosis
Benign and especially malignant (cancerous) tumors of the larynx (voice
box) are rare. Malignant tumors may be associated with benign tumors such
as polyps and papillomas. These tumors may cause hoarseness, difficulty
swallowing, and enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck.
Rhabdomyosarcoma (a malignant tumor of muscle tissue) is the most common
malignant tumor of the larynx in the pediatric age group. Squamous cell
carcinoma of the larynx should be managed with surgery and radiation.
Laser surgery may be the first type of treatment used for these cancers.
Papillomatosis of the larynx is a benign overgrowth of tissues lining the
larynx. This condition is not cancerous, but may recur after treatment.
These tumors can cause hoarseness because of their association with
wart-like nodules on the vocal cords; they may extend into the lung and
develop into cancer in the larynx. Treatment includes laser surgery.
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