What is the first treatment for voice box cancer?

The larynx contains structures used for voice, breathing, and swallowing. A small, accessible tumour may be treated with radiotherapy or an operation designed to remove the tumour while preserving as much function as possible. Larger or more advanced disease may need combined treatment.

Chemotherapy can be used with radiotherapy or in another planned sequence. The team considers the tumour's exact location, stage, lymph nodes, voice and swallowing function, general health, and the person's priorities. An examination of the throat and imaging help establish the safest plan.

Ask how the proposed treatment may affect speaking, swallowing, breathing, taste, and work. A speech and swallowing assessment can identify support needs before treatment. Stop smoking if you smoke and ask for help, because tobacco can worsen healing and treatment effects.

Discuss whether the aim is to preserve the larynx, remove the tumour, or control disease in the neck. More information is available about [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/) and [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/).

Get urgent medical help for noisy or worsening breathing, difficulty breathing while resting, inability to swallow liquids, coughing blood, or rapidly increasing neck swelling. Contact the care team for dehydration, persistent vomiting, or a sudden change in voice or swallowing during treatment.

Where exactly is the tumour and what is its stage? Could treatment preserve my voice and swallowing? Would radiotherapy, surgery, or combined treatment be first? Will I need a feeding tube or speech therapy? Which breathing symptoms are emergencies?