Laryngeal (larynx) cancer - Causes of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is caused by changes in the cells or the larynx, although it is not clear exactly why this happens.

All cancers begin with a change in the structure of DNA. DNA provides our cells with a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.

A change in DNA structure is known as a mutation. It can alter the instructions that control cell growth. This means cells continue to grow instead of stopping when they should. This causes the cells to reproduce in an uncontrollable manner, producing a growth of tissue called a tumour.

It's not known why and how the DNA inside the cells of the larynx is affected in cases of laryngeal cancer. However, it appears that exposure to anything that can damage the cells and tissue of the larynx increases the risk of cancer developing.

Increased risk

There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of developing laryngeal cancer, the most common of which are outlined below.

Alcohol and tobacco

Evidence shows that alcohol and tobacco are the two biggest risk factors for laryngeal cancer. Alcohol and tobacco are thought to contain chemicals that affect the cells of the larynx, triggering mutations that can lead to cancer.

The more you drink or smoke, the higher your risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Compared to people who don't drink, people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol are about three times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer.

People who smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day, or people who have smoked for more than 40 years, are estimated to be about 40 times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer than people who don't smoke.

If you drink and smoke, your risk of laryngeal cancer increases even further. By stopping drinking and smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing the condition. Read more about preventing laryngeal cancer.

Age

Your risk of developing laryngeal cancer increases with age. The condition is rare in people under 40 and most common in people over 60.

Family history

People who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has been diagnosed with head or neck cancer are estimated to be twice as likely to develop laryngeal cancer as someone without a family history.

Gender

Laryngeal cancer affects about four times as many men as women.

Diet

There's evidence to suggest that a diet high in red meat, processed food and fried food can increase your risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name given to a family of viruses that affect the skin and moist membranes that line the body, such as those in the cervix (neck of the womb), anus, mouth and throat.

HPV is known to cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer. It's thought the virus may have a similar effect on the cells of the pharynx (the cavity connecting the back of the nose and mouth with the larynx and oesophagus). HPV is often spread during sex, including oral sex.

Exposure to certain substances

Having a job where you're exposed to high levels of certain substances may also increase your risk of developing laryngeal cancer. These substances include:

• paint fumes
• coal dust
• wood dust
• diesel fumes
• nickel
• formaldehyde – a chemical used in a wide range of industrial processes, such as paint manufacturing and cosmetics
• isopropyl alcohol, often used as a cleaning solvent