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Cancer - throat or larynx

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Cancer - throat or larynx

Definition:

Cancer of the throat involves malignant tumors (growths) on the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat.

Alternative Names:
Vocal cord cancer; Throat cancer; Laryngeal cancer; Cancer of the glottis

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

People who smoke or otherwise use tobacco are at risk of developing tumors of the throat. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk, and smoking and alcohol use together constitute an extreme risk for the development of throat cancers.

Most cancers of the throat develop in adults older than 50, and men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers.

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