Throat Cancer Overview

Throat cancer or pharyngeal cancer refers to cancerous growths found in the throat. This can be in any part of the throat including the tonsils and the larynx. Throat cancer, most often, affects the larynx. However, there are instances when cancer of the throat occurs in various other parts of the throat such as the epiglottis which is the cartilage that acts as the lid for the windpipe. Throat cancer affects more than 14,290 Americans each year. Most of those affected are between the ages of 45 and 84. African-Americans are among the most affected with throat cancer than any other race.

Cause of Throat Cancer

The exact nature of the cause of throat cancer is unknown. However, researchers believe genetic mutations cause the uncontrollable growth of cancer cells. Although there is no significant cause of throat cancer, there are several risk factors that contribute to its development. For example, tobacco smoke is the most common cause of the development of throat cancer. In addition, age, chewing betel quid, EBV infection, HPV infection, alcohol abuse, diets low in vegetables and fruits all increase the risk of developing throat cancer.

Types of Throat Cancer

There are various types of throat cancer. Each cancer is named after the area in which it develops. For example, pharyngeal cancer refers to cancer of the throat. Laryngeal cancer refers to cancer of the larynx. Nasopharyngeal cancer develops in the nasopharynx. This is the section of the throat behind the nose. Cancer that occurs in the throat just behind the mouth (oropharynx) is referred to as oropharyngeal cancer. When cancer develops in the vocals cords, it is referred to as glottis cancer. Supraglottic cancer affects the epiglottis and the upper part of the larynx. Subglottic cancer affects the lower part of the voice box.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

There are a number of symptoms of throat cancer. However, unfortunately, some of the early throat cancer symptoms are fairly general. Therefore, these symptoms of throat cancer are easily confused with less severe conditions and are often ignored. Common throat cancer symptoms are chronic sore throats, earaches, enlarged lymph nodes, hoarse voice, pain when swallowing, difficulty speaking, sores in the mouth or tongue. Symptoms of throat cancer also include pain when moving the jaw, thickening of the cheek, blood with coughing, unexplained weight loss and foul breath. The changing look or feel to the soft tissues of the mouth is an early indication of throat cancer. Therefore, any persistent symptoms such as the above, requires thorough medical investigation. Early detection helps prevent the spread of the disease.

Throat Cancer Treatment

Treating throat cancer depends on the severity and spread of the cancer. An endoscopy helps detect any abnormalities in the throat. A laryngoscopy identifies any abnormalities in the larynx. In addition, a biopsy and imaging tests such as X-rays, PET scans etc, further help to detect the extent and stage of the cancer. Treatment of throat cancer ranges from radiation therapy, surgery, targeted medication to chemotherapy. Radiation therapy helps kill cancer cells. If throat cancer is detected in the early stages, radiation therapy helps prevent the spread of the disease. Surgery removes cancer cells by way of laser. Surgery also helps remove part of the organ affected by cancer if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to destroy cancer cells. Targeted drugs help prevent the cancer growth.

Preventing Throat Cancer

Although there is no certain method to prevent throat cancer, reducing the risk of development depends upon quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, adhering to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and taking precautions when working in hazardous areas. Those people who chew tobacco or beetle leaves should stop this habit too, since it is considered one of the most dominant risk factors contributing to throat cancer.