Causes
Although the exact cause of cancer is unknown, some known risk factors for
cancer of the larynx include:
- smoking: The risk of laryngeal cancer increases up to 30 times
for smokers. The heavier the person smokes, the higher the risk. Second-hand
smoke is also considered a hazard.
- alcohol: Heavy drinkers more than double their risk for this type
of cancer, and combining smoking with alcohol can increase the risks
even more than either drinking or smoking alone.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): Constant heartburn
could actually be GERD. In GERD, the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus,
causing a burning pain. Researchers have found that the irritation from long-standing
GERD can increase the chances of cancer in both the esophagus and the larynx.
- poor nutrition: Many people who abuse alcohol also have poor nutritional
habits, but some research also suggests that not getting enough vitamins might
be a risk factor.
- human papillomavirus (HPV): The virus that can cause
genital warts can also develop into certain cancers. Mothers may pass the
virus on to their children when they're born. It settles in the larynx, developing
into growths called laryngeal papillomas later on in life. These growths
may develop into cancer.
- race: Laryngeal cancer is found twice as often among people of African
descent than among Caucasians.
- gender: More men than women are diagnosed with cancer of the
larynx.
- age: This type of cancer is usually detected in people between 50
and 75 years old.
- weakened immune systems: People with weak immune systems (due to
diseases such as AIDS or medications that lower immunity to viruses) are more
susceptible to laryngeal cancer.
- toxic exposure: These risk factors include being exposed to wood
dust, asbestos, or many types of chemicals, which can increase the chances
of cancer.
- voice overuse: People who use their voices a lot, such as singers,
may develop polyps (lumps of tissue) that can become cancerous if not
removed.