Cancerous tumours of the larynx

A cancerous tumour of the larynx can grow into and destroy nearby tissue. It can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The most common type of laryngeal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It accounts for 95% of all laryngeal cancers.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx starts in the flat, thin cells found in the epithelium or inner layer lining the larynx.

SCCs are classified based on the part of the larynx where the cancer starts:

  • Glottic carcinomas start in the area that contains the vocal cords.
  • Supraglottic carcinomas start in the area above the vocal cords.
  • Subglottic carcinomas start in the area below the vocal cords.

Rare laryngeal tumours

The following cancerous tumours of the larynx are rare.

Minor salivary gland tumours start in the cells of the minor salivary glands. They are tiny glands under the lining of some areas of the larynx. The types of tumours include adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Find out more about cancerous tumours of the salivary glands.

Sarcomas start in the cells of the connective tissue (cartilage). Types of sarcoma of the larynx include chondrosarcoma and synovial sarcoma. Find out more about types of soft tissue sarcoma.

Melanoma usually starts in the skin but can start on the inner mucous surfaces of the body including in the larynx. Find out more about melanoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts in lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. Find out more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a type of multiple myeloma and starts in the plasma cells. Find out more about types of multiple myeloma.

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers. 2014. https://www.cancer.org/.
  • Mendenhall WM, Werning JW. Cancer of the larynx: General principles and management. Harrison LB, Sessions RB, Kies MS (eds.). Head and Neck Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014: 18a: 441-458.
  • Mendenhall WM, Werning JW, Pfister DG. Cancer of the head and neck. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 38: 422-473.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society