ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about how many people learn they have this type of cancer each year and some general survival information. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors. To see other pages in this guide, use the colored boxes on the right side of your screen, or click “Next” at the bottom.

Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers. This year, an estimated 12,260 adults (9,680 men and 2,580 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. It is estimated that 3,630 deaths (2,860 men and 770 women) from this disease will occur this year.

Each year, an estimated 2,400 adults (1,920 men and 480 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer.

Survival rates for hypopharyngeal cancer vary based on a variety of factors, particularly the stage [2]. If the cancer is found at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate (the percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) for people with hypopharyngeal cancer is 53%. If the cancer has spread to nearby areas and/or lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 38%. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 24%. The five-year survival rate for laryngeal cancer depends on the location of the cancer (glottis, supraglottis or subglottis) and the stage.

Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer. Because statistics are often measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer. Learn more about understanding statistics [3].

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society’s publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2013, and the American Cancer Society website.

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