Carcinoma of the Larynx Laryngeal cancer This is cancer of the vocal cords. The cell type is called squamous cell carcinoma. Hoarseness -- first symptom Swallowing pain Coughing up blood Weight loss Ear pain Enlarged glands of the neck Heavy smokers Heavy alcohol Consumption Laryngoscopy (vocal cords visualized with a scope) Biopsy Radiation cures 85-95% of cases Surgery if radiation fails Chemotherapy (cancer killing drugs) is also an option in some cases. Combination therapy of all the above treatments may be tried in aggressive cases of this cancer. Benign Tumors of the Larynx Lung Cancer Gastroesophageal Reflux Acute Laryngitis