Your larynx, commonly known as the voice box, sits in your throat. The larynx is not only involved in talking but it is also part of your swallowing mechanism and the only opening into your lungs. Over time the incidence of laryngeal cancer has reduced due to a change in smoking rates. Laryngeal cancer is most often seen in older men who are or have been smokers. The most common symptom of laryngeal cancer is voice change, but as the disease becomes more advanced throat pain, swallowing or breathing difficulty can develop.