Definition

Throat cancer is the presence of cancer cells or tumor(s) in the throat. The throat is made of a number of structures and the term throat cancer represents all of these cancers including cancer of the:

• Epiglottis—flap in the throat that blocks the airways when you swallow food or drink
• Tonsils
• Soft palate—rear section of the roof of the mouth
• Pharynx—tube part of your throat

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Eventually these uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant growths. These growths can invade nearby tissues including the lymph nodes. Cancer that has invaded the lymph nodes can then spread to other parts of the body.

It is not clear exactly what causes these problems in the cells, but is probably a combination of genetics and environment.

Risk Factors

Throat cancer is more common in men, and in people aged 40 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chances of throat cancer:

• Smoking or use of any tobacco products
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Suppressed immune system
• Infections caused by certain viruses such as:
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Radiation exposure
• Excess consumption of cured meats or fish
• Marijuana use
• Occupational exposure to certain materials such as in:
  • Nickel refining
  • Woodworking
  • Working with textile fibers

Symptoms

Throat cancer may cause:

• Sore throat
• Feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
• Voice changes or hoarseness
• Change in voice quality
• Pain in the head, throat, or neck
• Lump in the neck
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing blood

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may feel for any lumps in your neck. You may be referred to an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in head and neck surgery.

Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:

• Fine needle aspiration
• Incisional biopsy

Images may be taken to evaluate your throat and surrounding structures. This can be done with:

• Laryngoscopy
• Panendoscopy
• MRI scan
• PET scan
• CT scan

The physical exam, combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the type and stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, throat cancer is staged from 1 to 4. Stage 1 is a very localized cancer, while stage 4 indicates a spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Cancer treatment varies depending on the stage and type of cancer. A combination of therapies may be more effective. For example, surgery may be used in conjunction with chemo- or radiation therapy.

Treatment options for throat cancer include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of throat cancer:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products. If you do smoke or use tobacco products, talk to your doctor about how to quit.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is a maximum of 2 drinks per day for men and a maximum of 1 drink per day for women.
• Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• See your doctor and dentist regularly for checkups and cancer screening.