Section Editor: Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 22, 2026
The larynx, often called the voice box, is the part of the throat that contains the vocal cords. It sits at the top of the windpipe and helps you speak, breathe, and protect your airway when you swallow. When tissue is removed from this area, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the larynx. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Some conditions are cancerous, some are precancerous (not cancer, but a change that can increase the risk of cancer over time), and many are completely harmless. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancerous tumors
These diagnoses are cancers that start in the larynx. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat cells lining the voice box. The articles explain how each cancer is diagnosed and what your pathology report describes.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the larynx. This article explains how the diagnosis is made and what the details in your pathology report mean, including tumor grade and spread.
You may find this helpful if your report says squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, voice box, or vocal cord.
Spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma
Spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon type of squamous cell carcinoma in which the cancer cells are long and thin. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a spindle cell or sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.
A neuroendocrine tumor of the larynx develops from specialized hormone-producing cells. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a neuroendocrine tumor or neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx.
Precancerous changes
These diagnoses describe abnormal cells in the lining of the larynx that are not cancer but may carry an increased risk of becoming cancer over time. They are often watched closely or treated to prevent cancer from developing.
High grade dysplasia means the cells lining the larynx look very abnormal under the microscope but are not yet cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means and why it is important to monitor.
You may find this helpful if your report describes high grade or severe dysplasia of the larynx or vocal cord.
Keratinizing squamous dysplasia
Keratinizing squamous dysplasia is a precancerous change in which abnormal cells also produce extra keratin, a tough protein that can make the area look like a white patch. This article explains what this diagnosis means for you.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions keratinizing dysplasia or a white patch on the vocal cord.
HPV associated dysplasia is a precancerous change caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection. This article explains how this type of dysplasia is identified and what it means for your health.
You may find this helpful if your report links your diagnosis to HPV or mentions p16 testing.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ is the earliest form of squamous cell carcinoma. The abnormal cells are still contained in the surface layer and have not spread into the deeper tissue. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report says carcinoma in situ or severe dysplasia of the larynx or vocal cord.
Noncancerous conditions
These diagnoses are not cancer. Most are harmless changes or growths in the larynx that may be treated to relieve symptoms such as a hoarse voice.
A vocal cord nodule is a harmless, callus-like growth that forms on the vocal cord, usually from overuse or strain of the voice. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a vocal cord nodule, or you have a hoarse voice from heavy voice use.
A vocal cord polyp is a harmless growth on the vocal cord, often caused by injury or irritation. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a vocal cord polyp or a soft growth on the vocal cord.
Keratosis without dysplasia is a buildup of keratin, a tough protein, on the lining of the larynx. Because the cells are not abnormal, this change is not precancerous. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions keratosis without dysplasia, or a white patch on the vocal cord that is not precancerous.
Laryngeal amyloidosis is a buildup of an abnormal protein called amyloid in the larynx. It is not cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions amyloidosis or amyloid deposits in the larynx or vocal cord.
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