About the larynx
The larynx, commonly called the voice box, is a tube-shaped organ in the neck. It is located at the top of the windpipe or trachea. The front walls stick out from the neck to form what most people call the Adam’s apple.
The larynx is important for breathing, talking, and swallowing. It contains the vocal folds, also called vocal cords, which vibrate to make sound for speech production. During breathing, the larynx opens like a valve to allow air to pass into the lungs. During swallowing, the vocal folds come together and, with a flap of tissue called the epiglottis, protect the airway and prevent food from entering the lungs.
There are 3 parts of the larynx:
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Glottis. The middle section that holds the vocal folds.
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Supraglottis. The area above the vocal folds.
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Subglottis. The area below the vocal folds that connects the larynx to the windpipe.
About the hypopharynx
The hypopharynx, also called the gullet, is the lower part of the throat. It surrounds the larynx. The pharynx, more commonly known as the throat, is a hollow tube about 5 inches long. It starts behind the nose, which is a region called the nasopharynx, and ends at the level of the larynx, a region called the laryngopharynx. The pharynx leads into the esophagus, which is the tube that goes to the stomach.
About cancer in the larynx or hypopharynx
Cancer can develop in any part of the larynx or hypopharynx. Cancer begins when healthy cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread.
About 95% of all cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx are categorized as squamous cell carcinomas. This means they began in the flat, squamous cells that form the linings of these organs.
Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are 2 of the main types of cancer in the head and neck region, a grouping called head and neck cancer. This section covers both laryngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer because their treatments are often similar. However, these are 2 separate types of cancer. Go to the Medical Illustrations page to see a drawing of these structures.
Looking for More of an Introduction?
If you would like more of an introduction, explore these related items. Please note that these links will take you to other sections on Cancer.Net:
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ASCO Answers Fact Sheet: Read a 1-page fact sheet that offers an introduction to these types of cancer. This fact sheet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print out.
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Cancer.Net Patient Education Video: View a short video led by an ASCO expert in head and neck cancers that provides basic information and areas of research.
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Cancer.Net En Español: Read about laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer in Spanish. Infórmase sobre cáncer laríngeo e hipofaríngeo en español.
