What is Throat Cancer?

Home / Centres Of Excellence / Cancer Specialist Centre / Throat Cancer

WHAT IS THROAT CANCER?

Throat cancer is a broad term for cancer that affects one or more areas of the throat. Typically, throat cancer affects either the larynx (voice box) or the oropharynx (middle region of the throat).

Throat cancer encompasses a variety of cancers that can develop in different parts of the throat, primarily categorised into two main types: pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer.

Pharyngeal cancer can be further divided into:

Oropharyngeal Cancer: This is the most common type of throat cancer in the United States, affecting the middle part of the throat, including the tonsils and the base of the tongue. Its incidence has been rising, particularly due to infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Hypopharyngeal Cancer: This cancer affects the lower part of the pharynx, located just above the oesophagus and windpipe. It is less common than oropharyngeal cancer.

Causes & Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms

Throat cancer develops when something alters the genetic composition of the cells in your throat. This shift converts healthy throat cells into malignant cells that proliferate and multiply. The exact cause of throat cancer is unknown but you can raise your risk of developing some type of throat cancer:

Tobacco Use: Tobacco consumption is the single largest risk factor for throat cancer. This includes both smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products. Approximately 60% of pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers are attributed to smoking, while exposure to second-hand smoke also increases risk.
Alcohol Consumption: Heavy and frequent alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor. Studies have shown a strong link between excessive alcohol intake and the development of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are associated with a growing number of throat cancer cases, especially oropharyngeal cancer and possibly poor oral hygiene.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and pollutants may also contribute to the risk of developing throat cancer, although specific details on these factors are still being researched.

Throat cancer is a group of cancers that can affect various areas of your throat in different ways. Some typical throat cancer symptoms are:

A sore throat that persists for longer than two weeks.
Dysphagia refers to pain or difficulty swallowing food.
Voice changes, such as hoarseness, that linger for more than two weeks.
Lumps at the back of your throat or mouth.
Lumps on the back of your neck.
Ear ache that lasts longer than two weeks.
A persistent cough, which may sometimes produce blood.

Having these symptoms does not indicate that you have throat cancer. Often, these symptoms are indicators of less serious illnesses. If you have a symptom that lasts two weeks or longer, consult your healthcare professional to determine what is causing it.

Causes & Risk Factors

Tobacco Use: Tobacco consumption is the single largest risk factor for throat cancer. This includes both smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products. Approximately 60% of pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers are attributed to smoking, while exposure to second-hand smoke also increases risk.
Alcohol Consumption: Heavy and frequent alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor. Studies have shown a strong link between excessive alcohol intake and the development of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are associated with a growing number of throat cancer cases, especially oropharyngeal cancer. Possibly poor oral hygiene.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and pollutants may also contribute to the risk of developing throat cancer, although specific details on these factors are still being researched.

Signs and Symptoms

Throat cancer is a group of cancers that can affect various areas of your throat in different ways. Some typical throat cancer symptoms are:

A sore throat that persists for longer than two weeks.
Dysphagia refers to pain or difficulty swallowing food.
Voice changes, such as hoarseness, that linger for more than two weeks.
Lumps at the back of your throat or mouth.
Lumps on the back of your neck.
Ear ache that lasts longer than two weeks.
A persistent cough, which may sometimes produce blood.

Diagnosis

The following tests are used to diagnose throat cancer:

Physical Examination

A physical examination of the throat and neck is also conducted to check for lumps or abnormalities.

Endoscopy

Primary diagnostic tool that allows the doctor to examine the pharynx, larynx, and other areas for any suspicious lesions.

Laryngoscopy

These tests allow doctor to examine your throat. They may perform a direct laryngoscopy to more thoroughly check your throat and the area behind your nose.

Biopsy

If abnormal tissue is detected, biopsy allows pathologists to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

To produce comprehensive images of your throat.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Provides detailed images of soft tissues and can help determine if cancer has spread.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Often used to check for cancer spread to lymph nodes or other body parts.

Treatment

To treat the most prevalent types of throat cancer, healthcare providers may employ a combination of therapy.

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible without damaging your larynx or limiting your ability to swallow and talk.

Radiotherapy

Doctors can use radiation as a standalone treatment, in conjunction with chemotherapy, or before or after surgery.

Chemotherapy

Doctors may administer chemotherapy prior to or following surgery. They may combine chemotherapy with radiotherapy.

Targeted therapy

This therapy is a treatment that targets proteins in cancer cells that help them grow and multiply.

Immunotherapy

This treatment aids your immune system in detecting and eliminating cancer cells.

Prevention

By adopting preventive measures, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing throat cancer. It is impossible to completely prevent throat cancer. There are ways to lower your risk:

Abstaining from tobacco use and smoking cigarettes: Quitting tobacco can greatly reduce this risk, and even those diagnosed with throat cancer can benefit from stopping tobacco use. Consult your doctor about smoking cessation programs if you smoke or use tobacco products.
Limit consumption of alcohol: Preventing HPV infections and receiving the HPV vaccine. Individuals with a particular kind of HPV have an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
HPV vaccination: Preventing HPV infections by receiving the HPV vaccine. Individuals with a particular kind of HPV have an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
Maintain healthy diet: Researchers have connected obesity, vitamin deficiencies, and poor nutrition to laryngeal cancer. Consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein may help lower your risk.

Understanding the specific type of throat cancer is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and management strategies. If you have concerns about throat cancer or related symptoms, consulting a doctor is essential for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early and accurate diagnosis of throat cancer is crucial for effective treatment. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes for throat cancer.

Throat Cancer