Supraglottic cancer involves a cancerous growth in the upper part of the larynx. Although supraglottic cancer arises from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, the exact causes are not always known. Tobacco and alcohol use are some of the biggest risk factors for developing supraglottic cancer.
A common warning sign is difficulty swallowing. Other possible symptoms include a lump in the neck or ear pain. If a patient notices difficulty swallowing, with or without any of these other symptoms, it is recommended that they see a doctor as soon as possible. A combination of physical examination, endoscopy, radiologic imaging, and biopsy may be used to confirm a supraglottic cancer diagnosis prior to determining the best course of treatment. As with most head and neck cancers, laryngeal cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
