Larynx
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is an organ in the throat located at the front the neck. It is a tube-shaped structure comprised of muscle, cartilage, and connective tissue. The larynx houses the vocal cords, which are two elastic bands of muscle. The cartilage at the front of the larynx is commonly known as the Adam's apple. The larynx is comprised of three main parts: the supraglottis, which is the top part; the glottis, which is the middle part where the vocal cords are located; and the subglottis, which is the bottom part.
By opening and closing a valve over the windpipe, the larynx assists in breathing, swallowing, and talking. It is responsible for producing vocal sounds, and protects food and water from entering the lungs when swallowing.
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Regarding cancer of the larynx (laryngeal cancer), there are certain risk factors linked to the disease. For example, laryngeal cancer occurs four times more often in men than women. It occurs most often in people over age 55. Smokers and heavy drinkers are at higher risk of larynx cancer, and this is especially true when those two factors are combined. Also, it was established in 2006 that there is evidence to suggest that exposure to asbestos fibers can be associated with cancer of the larynx.
The symptoms of cancer of the larynx are highly dependent on the size of the tumor and its location within the larynx. Symptoms may include hoarseness of the voice, a sore throat, a lump in the neck, breathing problems, an ear ache, weight loss, and bad breath. The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is determined by a physician through a physical exam, a laryngoscopy (visual inspection of the larynx via medical instruments), a CT scan, and/or a biopsy.