Among the many types of cancer, there is a kind which distinctly affects a person’s vocal cords. Vocal cords may also be also referred to as a “voice box” or larynx. If this is the part affected, then a person could have throat cancer if a person exhibits signs of having larynx or throat cancer, then it is best to consult a medical professional as soon as possible so that the disease can be treated.

What is the Voice Box?

The “voice box” is medically known as the larynx. The voice box and the vocal cords lets air flow through the mouth and lungs. This air flowing through the larynx makes vibrations in the throat, and this is how sound is produced from the voice box.

Causes of Throat Cancer

The number one cause of throat cancer is smoking. The risk of having cancer of the larynx is greatly increased with excessive alcohol consumption.

Vitamin deficiency and a weak immune system, especially if caused by alcohol consumption, also increases the probability that a person would have throat cancer. Some job-related causes that may lead to throat cancer are the following:

- exposure to asbestos - overexposure to wood dust or fumes from paint - overexposure to petroleum-related chemicals - a virus called human papillomavirus or HPV

Throat Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of cancer of the larynx include having a hoarse voice and sore throat. Do not just ignore a common sickness like cold or flu.

You will never know if these mighty be early symptoms of lung cancer. If a person has a lump in the mouth or if the sore throat symptoms do not heal after two weeks, then these may be signs of throat cancer.

Check out any unusual lumps or nodes in the neck because it might be a larynx tumor that is beginning to grow.