Understanding throat cancer
Throat cancer, also called laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, is considered a head and neck cancer. These types of cancers get their name depending on where the cancer starts. Your voice box (where your vocal cords are) is called your larynx. If cancer starts here, it’s diagnosed as laryngeal cancer. Your hypopharynx is the lower part of your throat that’s right behind your larynx. This is the entrance to your esophagus. If cancer starts here, it’s diagnosed as hypopharynx cancer. Read on to learn how to spot signs of throat cancer, if you’re at risk, when to see a doctor and more.1
What are the types of throat cancer?
There are a few different types of throat cancer, some more common than others.2
- Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx — the part of your throat just behind your nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx — the part of your throat right behind your mouth that includes your tonsils.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) — the lower part of your throat, just above your esophagus and windpipe.
- Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.
- Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper portion of the voice box and includes cancer that affects the epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that blocks food from going into your windpipe.
- Subglottic cancer begins in the lower portion of your voice box, below your vocal cords.
Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include:3
- Changes in your voice, like hoarseness or loss of clarity
- A cough
- Ear pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sore throat
- A lump or sore that doesn’t heal
- Unexplained weight loss
All cancer is caused when cells change and grow in ways they shouldn’t. Throat cancer is no different. Unfortunately, the true causes of throat cancer are unknown. However, there’s a list of risk factors that could increase your chances of getting throat cancer.
Being exposed to cancer-causing substances, having certain health conditions and practicing unhealthy lifestyle habits may increase your chance of developing throat cancer. You’re at greater risk if you:4
- Use tobacco and alcohol. Any form of tobacco is the greatest risk factor for head and neck cancers — including secondhand smoke. And as for alcohol, having more than 1 drink a day may increase your risk of throat cancer. Be aware that combining tobacco and alcohol use significantly increases your odds of getting head and neck cancer.
- Are overweight. Carrying extra pounds is hard on every part of your body and can increase your risk of throat cancer.
- Have poor nutrition. A diet lacking in fruits and veggies may put you at greater risk.
- Have certain health conditions: People with syndromes caused by inherited gene mutations have a very high risk of throat cancer. Plus, infections with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause head and neck cancers.
- Exposure to harmful substances. Workplace exposure to wood dust, paint fumes and chemicals can increase your risk of throat cancer.
Your doctor may want to do an endoscopy to get a closer look inside your throat. During this procedure, a scope with a camera at the end travels down your throat and sends images to a screen so your doctor can check for abnormalities. A similar procedure is called a laryngoscopy. That’s where your doctor uses a scope to examine your vocal cords instead of your throat.
If anything out of the ordinary is found during one of your procedures, the next step is to remove a piece of tissue for testing. During this biopsy, experts will check your tissue for signs of cancer. If your doctor finds signs of cancer, they may want to do imaging tests (like an MRI) to see how severe it is.5
Throat cancer treatment depends on factors like the type and location of the cancer. There are benefits and risks to each treatment, so be sure to discuss them in detail with your doctor. It’s important that you’re informed about and comfortable with your treatment plan. Throat cancer treatment may include:5
- Radiation therapy: This therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. In some cases, this may be the only treatment needed.
- Chemotherapy: This method uses medication to kill cancer cells. It’s often used together with radiation therapy.
- Surgery: Surgery can include procedures to remove some or part of the voice box or throat, remove lymph nodes, or cut or laser off cancer cells.
- Targeted drug therapy: This medication works by targeting certain weaknesses in cancer cells, preventing them from growing.
- Immunotherapy: This approach works a little like a vaccine — but for cancer. It may help your body recognize and fight off cancer cells. This method is usually used if other treatment options aren’t working.
Who should I see if I’m concerned about throat cancer?
Think you may have symptoms of throat cancer? Schedule a visit with your primary care provider (the doctor or provider you might see for your yearly wellness exam). You’ll work with your doctor to decide whether or not testing is needed based on your symptoms. If it turns out you have signs of throat cancer, your doctor will refer you to a specialist to discuss treatment options.
