What is Throat Cancer?
Throat cancer is a general term that applies cancer that develops in your throat or voice box. Your throat is a muscular tube that begins behind your nose and ends in your neck, while your voice box sits below your throat and is also susceptible to throat cancer.
Types of Throat Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: Cancer that begins in your nasopharynx, the part of your throat just behind your nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: Cancer that begins in the oropharynx, the part of your throat right behind your mouth that includes your tonsils.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer: Cancer that beginds in the hypopharynx, the lower part of your throat, above your esophagus and windpipe.
- Glottic cancer: Cancer that begins in the vocal cords.
- Supraglottic cancer: Cancer that begins in the upper portion of the voice box.
- Subglottic cancer: Cancer that begins in the lower portion of the voice box.
What are the symptoms of Throat Cancer?
Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include:
- Coughing
- Changes in your voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Lump or sore that doesn't heal
- Sore throat
- Weight loss
What are the risk factors of Throat Cancer?
Factors that may increase your risk of developing throat cancer include:
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Tobacco is the most important risk factor for head and neck cancers. Smokers have a much higher risk of these cancers than people who do not smoke. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke might also increase the risk of these cancers. Moderate or heavy alcohol use also increases the risk of these cancers.
- Viral infections, including Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus: Infections with certain types of HPV can cause some form of cancers, including cancers of the cervix, vulva, anus and throat. Meanwhile, an EBV infection increases a person's risk of getting certain types of cancers, including nasopharyngeal and stomach cancer.
- Gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD): When acid from the stomach backs up into the oesophagus, its called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition causes heartburn and increases the chance of oesophageal cancer.
- Workplace exposure: Long-term exposure to wood, dust, paint fumes and certain chemicals used in certain industries may increase your risk of throat cancer.
How do you prevent Throat Cancer?
There is no way to prevent throat cancer, but you can reduce your risk of throat cancer:
- Stop smoking or don't start smoking: You can work with your healthcare provider to find ways to quit smoking, such as with medication, nicotine replacement products and counseling. If you do not smoke, don't start.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: For healthy adults, drinking in moderation means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fruits of vegetables: The vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of throat cancer.
- Protect yourself from HPV: Some throat cancers may be caused by the human papillomavirus. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine, which may reduce your risk of throat cancer, and other HPV-related cancers.
How is Throat Cancer diagnosed?
Endoscopy/Laryngoscopy
Your doctor may use a endoscope or laryngoscope to get a closer look at your throat or voice box.
Biopsy
If abnormalities are found during the endoscopy or laryngoscopy, your doctor may collect a tissue sample to be sent for testing.
Imaging Tests
Your doctor may perform a CT, MRI or PET scan to determine the extent of your cancer beyond the surface of your throat or voice box.
