Throat cancer is a pop in of cancer that develops in the throat.
There are severaltypes of throat cancer, and cancer can occur in different structures within the neck.
This article discusses the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of throat cancer.
Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee, Verywell
Throat cancer can develop in either place.
Pharyngeal Cancer
Pharyngeal cancer is cancer of the pharynx.
The pharynx is one long tube, but it is described as having three sections.
Cancer can occur in any of the sections and is named by the zone where cancer begins to grow.
These include:
Laryngeal Cancer
The larynx is on the front lower part of the throat.
It contains thevocal cordsused for making sounds.
Laryngeal cancers are named for the part of the larynx where they first grow.
Many symptoms are easy to ignore, especially if they aren’t causing severe distress.
But it’s important to get medical attention if you develop any bothersome symptoms affecting your mouth or throat.
Common symptoms of throat cancer include:
Symptoms may come and go.
“Persistent” doesn’t always mean constant.
A delay in your diagnosis may affect your treatment outcome.
Causes and Risk Factors
Smoking is a well-known cause of throat cancer.
Smoking exposes your body to carcinogens, which are chemicals that cause cells in the body to become cancerous.
Oral tobacco products also raise your risk for head and neck cancers.
For example, alcohol enhances the ability of tobacco to cause cancer.
Diagnosis
Your symptoms may prompt a throat cancer diagnosis.
Diagnostic Procedures and Staging
Your ENT may examine your throat with a procedure called laryngoscopy.
If cancer is found, it is necessary to determine whether it hasspreadto nearby tissues or organs.
This process is called staging.
The stage of throat cancer affects which treatment method will be recommended for you.
Your provider will let you know if you need additional testing.
Treatment
Several factors are considered when a treatment plan is developed for throat cancer.
It is commonly linked to HPV, drinking alcohol, and smoking.
However, it can occur even without these risk factors.
If you experience any symptoms, be sure to see your healthcare provider.
Treatments are available, and the majority of people survive at least five years.
There are excellent treatments for throat cancers, especially when caught early.
See your providers regularly, and be sure to mention any symptoms or concerns.
Any of these symptoms lasting two weeks or more need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
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American Cancer Society.Key statistics for nasopharyngeal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Oropharyngeal cancer treatment (Adult) (PDQ)Patient version.
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