Laryngeal Cancer Treatment

A variety of treatments are available from our specialists for patients with laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx. Some are standard; others are being tested in clinical trials.

Located just below the pharynx (throat), the larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them.

Most laryngeal cancers form in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the larynx.

Surgery is a common treatment for all stages of laryngeal cancer. The following surgical procedures may be used:

• Cordectomy to remove the vocal cords only
• Supraglottic laryngectomy to remove the supraglottis only
• Hemilaryngectomy to remove half the larynx and preserve the voice
• Partial laryngectomy to remove part of the larynx and preserve the voice
• Total laryngectomy to remove the entire larynx, followed by tracheostomy
• Thyroidectomy to remove all or part of the thyroid gland
• Laser surgery to make bloodless cuts in tissue or remove a surface lesion such as a tumor

Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers are accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). This rare distinction is given to cancer programs that uphold the highest standard of care for patients. When you choose Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers for your cancer treatment, you can rest assured you will receive the best possible care delivered by a compassionate team of caregivers in a calm, healing environment.