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The larynx is the organ that contains the vocal cords.
Located between the pharynx and the trachea,
the larynx is the immune system's first line of defense in the respiratory tract.
The vocal cords, by nature, disrupt airflow.
A fact that may contribute to inhaled asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the larynx.
The presence of asbestos fibers triggers the body's immune response,
and white blood cells attack the fibers, resulting in inflammation and scarring.
Because some of the symptoms of asbestos-related laryngeal cancer
are similar to those of several common illnesses, diagnosis can be difficult.
Symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms
and have a history of exposure to asbestos,
you may wish to talk to your doctor.
If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure,
you may wish to visit our Testing for Asbestos-Related Illness page.
There, you will find information on the various medical tests available
for confirming the presence of asbestos related illnesses and abnormalities.