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Throat Cancer

Also called: Hypopharyngeal cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Laryngopharyngeal cancer, Nasopharyngeal cancer, Oropharyngeal cancer, Pharyngeal cancer

Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Throat cancer has different names, depending on which part of the throat is affected. The different parts of your throat are called the oropharynx, the hypopharynx, the nasopharynx, and the larynx, or voice box.

The main risk factors for throat cancer are using tobacco heavy drinking. Certain types of throat cancer also have other risk factors. For example, having HPV is a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer.

Symptoms of throat cancer may include

  • A sore throat that does not go away
  • A lump in the neck
  • Pain or ringing in the ears
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Ear pain

To diagnose throat cancers, doctors may do a physical exam and history, imaging tests, and a biopsy. You may also need other tests, depending on the type of cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment for some types of throat cancer may also include targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses substances that attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

The following features are indicative of Throat Cancer:
  • cough
  • changes in your voice, such as hoarseness
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • ear pain
  • sore that doesn't heal
  • weight loss
It is possible that Throat Cancer shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Throat Cancer

The following are the most common causes of Throat Cancer:
  • genetic mutations in throat

Risk Factors for Throat Cancer

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Throat Cancer:
  • excessive use of tobacco
  • alcohol consumption
  • human Papillomavirus
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • improper diet

Prevention of Throat Cancer

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Throat Cancer. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid smoking
  • healthy diet intake
  • avoid alcohol consumption
  • limit your number of sexual partners
  • use condom while having sex

Occurrence of Throat Cancer

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Throat Cancer cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Throat Cancer can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Throat Cancer can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Throat Cancer

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Throat Cancer:
  • Endoscopy: To look for signs of abnormalities in your throat
  • Laryngoscopy: To examine your vocal cords
  • Biopsy: To diagnose throat cancer
  • Imaging tests: To determine the extent of your cancer

Doctor for Diagnosis of Throat Cancer

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Throat Cancer:
  • Otolaryngologist

Complications of Throat Cancer if untreated

Yes, Throat Cancer causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Throat Cancer is left untreated:
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • can be fatal
  • speech problems
  • eating difficulties

Procedures for Treatment of Throat Cancer

The following procedures are used to treat Throat Cancer:
  • Radiation therapy: To lower the signs and symptoms of throat cancer
  • Surgery: To treat throat cancer
  • Chemotherapy: To destroy the cancer cells
  • Rehabilitation therapy: To regain the ability to swallow, eat solid foods and talk

Self-care for Throat Cancer

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Throat Cancer:
  • Quit smoking: Lowers your risk of getting cancer
  • Avoid drinking alcohol: Reduces the risk of throat cancer

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Throat Cancer

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Throat Cancer:
  • Acupuncture: Helpful in treating throat cancer
  • Massage therapy: Helps you in coping with the disease
  • Do meditation: Relieves your stress and makes you feel better

Patient Support for Treatment of Throat Cancer

The following actions may help Throat Cancer patients:
  • Learn enough about throat cancer to make treatment decisions: Makes you feel more comfortable
  • Find someone to talk with: Helps in dealing with the emotions you're feeling

Time for Treatment of Throat Cancer

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Throat Cancer to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Throat Cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer
Oral Cancer
Throat Disorders

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