Childhood Laryngeal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version

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HEAD AND NECK CANCER

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General Information About Childhood Laryngeal Cancer and Papillomatosis

KEY POINTS

Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx.
Papillomatosis of the larynx is a condition in which papillomas have formed in the tissue that lines the larynx.
Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer or papillomatosis include a change in the child’s voice.
Tests that examine the throat are used to detect (find) and diagnose laryngeal cancer.

Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx.

The larynx is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea (windpipe). The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them. The sound echoes through the pharynx, mouth, and nose to make a person's voice. The larynx is also called the voice box.

There are three main parts of the larynx:

Supraglottis: The upper part of the larynx above the vocal cords, including the epiglottis.
Glottis: The middle part of the larynx where the vocal cords are located.
Subglottis: The lower part of the larynx between the vocal cords and the trachea.

Drawing shows areas where laryngeal cancer may form or spread, including the supraglottis, glottis (vocal cords), subglottis, thyroid, trachea, and esophagus. Also shown are the epiglottis, the upper part of the spinal column, the carotid artery, the cartilage around the thyroid and trachea, lymph nodes in the neck, and the chest. — Laryngeal cancer forms in the tissues of the larynx (area of the throat that contains the vocal cords). The larynx includes the supraglottis, glottis (vocal cords), and subglottis. The cancer may spread to nearby tissues or to the thyroid, trachea, or esophagus. It may also spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, the carotid artery, the upper part of the spinal column, the chest, and to other parts of the body (not shown).

Rhabdomyosarcoma (a malignant tumor of muscle) is the most common type of laryngeal cancer in children. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of laryngeal cancer in adults, but is rare in children.

Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.

Papillomatosis of the larynx is a condition in which papillomas have formed in the tissue that lines the larynx.

Papillomatosis of the larynx is a condition in which papillomas (benign tumors that look like warts) have formed in the tissue that lines the larynx. Papillomatosis may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Papillomas in the larynx may block the airway and cause trouble breathing. These growths often recur (come back) after treatment and may become cancer of the larynx.

Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer or papillomatosis include a change in the child’s voice.

These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by laryngeal cancer, papillomatosis, or by other conditions.

Check with your child's doctor if your child has any of the following:

Hoarseness or a change in the voice.
Trouble or pain when swallowing.
A lump in the neck or throat.
A sore throat or cough that does not go away.
Ear pain.

Tests that examine the throat are used to detect (find) and diagnose laryngeal cancer.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

Physical exam and history : An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas of the body, such as the head and neck. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
ENLARGE
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head and neck. The child lies on a table that slides through the CT scanner, which takes x-ray pictures of the inside of the head and neck.
Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. The picture can be printed to be looked at later.
Barium swallow : A series of x-rays of the esophagus and stomach. The patient drinks a liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound). The liquid coats the esophagus and stomach, and x-rays are taken. This procedure is also called an upper GI series.
Biopsy : The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. The sample of tissue may be removed during one of the following procedures:
- Laryngoscopy : A procedure to look at the larynx for abnormal areas. A mirror or a laryngoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through the mouth to see the larynx. A special tool on the laryngoscope may be used to remove samples of tissue.
- Endoscopy : A procedure to look at organs and tissues inside the body, such as the throat, esophagus, and trachea to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through an opening in the body, such as the mouth. A special tool on the endoscope may be used to remove samples of tissue.