Causes of laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer is caused by changes
in the cells of the larynx, although it's not clear exactly why this happens. All cancers begin with a change
in a cell's DNA. DNA provides our cells with a basic set of
instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.
A change in DNA can alter the
instructions that control cell growth, which 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 is not known why the DNA inside the
cells of the larynx is affected in cases of laryngeal cancer. But it appears
that exposure to things that can damage the cells and tissue of the larynx
increases the risk of cancer developing.
What can increase your risk?
A number of things can increase
your chances of developing laryngeal cancer.
Alcohol and tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco are the two main
things that can increase your risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
They're thought to contain chemicals that can damage the cells of the
larynx. The more you drink or smoke, the
higher your risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
People who smoke more than 25
cigarettes a day, or people who have smoked for more than 40 years, have been
found to be about 40 times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer
than people who don't smoke.
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. If you drink and smoke, your risk of
laryngeal cancer increases even further. By stopping both drinking and smoking,
you can significantly reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Family history
People who have a first-degree
relative (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with head or neck cancer are
thought to be twice as likely to develop laryngeal cancer as someone without a
family history.
Diet
There is evidence to suggest that a
diet high in red meat, processed food and fried food might increase your
risk of developing laryngeal cancer. Having a "Mediterranean diet" or a diet containing
plenty of fruit and vegetables may reduce your risk. Read more about preventing laryngeal cancer.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Human
papilloma virus (HPV) is the name given to a group 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 throat. HPV is often spread during
sex, including oral sex.
Exposure to harmful substances
Having a job where you're exposed to
high levels of certain substances may also increase your risk of developing
laryngeal cancer. These include:
- asbestos
- coal
or wood dust
- paint
or diesel fumes
- nickel
- sulphuric
acid fumes
- 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).
Source: NHS Choices
