Causes and Risk Factors of Laryngeal Cancer

The most significant risk factors for developing laryngeal cancer are exposure to tobacco and alcohol. 90-95% of patients with laryngeal cancer are regular smokers, and 85% are regular drinkers. Higher consumption usually means earlier onset of the disease.

There are other, less relevant, factors that may predispose someone to laryngeal cancer, including the presence of chronic inflammation (gastro-oesophageal reflux), exposure to industrial agents such as asbestos, nickel or combustion products (petroleum derivatives), and exposure to the papilloma virus, although this is rare in our environment.