The early signs of throat cancer can include pain or difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and the feeling of a lump in the throat. A person’s outlook typically depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
Throat cancer can affect the larynx (voice box) and the upper or lower part of the pharynx (throat). As cancer spreads, it may grow into nearby tissues. However, the name of the cancer will always depend on where it starts.
In adults, factors such as exposure to tobacco and the human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
A person’s symptoms and outlook may depend on the type of throat cancer they have and its severity.
There are several types of throat cancer, and many places within the throat where cancer can develop. The symptoms and progression may depend on the type and location of the cancer.
Symptoms of throat cancer may include:
- pain or difficulty when swallowing
- ear pain
- a lump in the neck or throat
- a persistent sore throat or cough
- voice changes, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly
- swollen lymph nodes
Cancer in the lower part of the throat, or hypopharynx,
Other conditions can also cause the above symptoms. Speaking with a doctor can help someone learn the underlying cause.
The
There are many parts within the pharynx — the tube that extends from the back of the mouth to the windpipe — and the larynx — the part of the throat that contains the voice box. Cancer can develop in any of these areas.
Pharyngeal cancers
Cancer can affect the following parts of the pharynx:
- Nasopharynx: This is the top part of the pharynx, in the area behind the nose.
- Oropharynx: This is the back of the mouth and the middle part of the pharynx. This can include the tonsils, base of the tongue, and soft palate.
- Hypopharynx: This is the lower part of the pharynx.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that oropharyngeal cancer is the most common type of pharyngeal cancer.
Laryngeal cancers
Cancer can develop in any area of the larynx,
- Supraglottis: This is the area of the larynx above the vocal cords that includes the epiglottis, which is the flap that covers a person’s windpipe when swallowing.
- Glottis: This is the middle area of the larynx that contains the vocal cords.
- Subglottis: This is the lowest area of the larynx, extending from the vocal cords to the windpipe.
The
According to the NCI, cancer in the throat or mouth causes
In its most recent estimates, the
Experts do not know exactly what causes throat cancer. However, the
The ACS notes that male throat cancer rates are higher than female throat cancer rates. However, they suggest this may be due to a higher prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use in this population.
They also highlight that female throat cancer rates are increasing in recent years with higher alcohol and tobacco use.
An early diagnosis of throat cancer greatly
A doctor will ask the person about symptoms and carry out a physical examination. They
Other imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan, can help the doctor confirm a diagnosis and see how far the cancer has spread.
A doctor will also typically recommend a biopsy. This involves taking a sample of throat tissue or cells to test for cancer in a lab. A biopsy will also show what kind of cancer is present.
These tests will help the doctor determine the extent of the cancer and the best way to treat it.
Staging gives an idea of how far cancer has spread. Staging for throat cancer will depend on the type. However, doctors will typically describe throat cancer stages in these categories:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells have formed that have the potential to become cancerous. Doctors may also call this stage cancer in situ.
- Stage 1: The tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters (cm) and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 2: The tumor is between 2 cm and 4 cm and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: The tumor is larger than 4 cm or has spread to a small nearby lymph node.
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue; to larger or more distant lymph nodes; or to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.
The grade of the cancer also affects treatment and outlook. A high-grade cancer is
When a doctor knows the stage and grade of the cancer, they will talk with the person about their treatment options.
Treatment may depend on the following factors:
- the location, stage, and grade of the cancer
- the person’s age and overall health
- the availability and affordability of treatment
- personal preferences
Potential treatment options for throat cancer
- Surgery: A surgeon will remove the tumor and other cancerous tissue. This may affect the shape and function of the voice box, the epiglottis, and other structures.
- Laser surgery: Laser treatment to remove cancerous tissues may be an option in the early stages.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses targeted doses of radiation to kill the cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs aim to target and kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: These drugs attack specific cancer cells or proteins that affect cancer growth. Targeted therapy aims to reduce the risk of adverse effects by targeting specific cells, not healthy ones.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a new approach that boosts the immune system’s ability to defend the body against cancer.
Doctors may prescribe a combination of therapies. Some treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, may cause side effects. However, these typically resolve after treatment.
People with throat cancer should ask their doctor what to expect and how to manage any side effects that occur.
Clinical trials
Some people join a
A clinical trial can only happen if experts have strong evidence that a treatment is likely to be safe. People can talk with their care team about opportunities to take part in a clinical trial.
Treatments for throat cancer can cause a range of challenging side effects and changes to daily life. Below are some tips that may help a person manage these challenges:
- learn about their throat cancer, including treatment options and symptoms to expect
- talk with trusted friends and relatives for support
- join support groups
- get as much rest as possible
- work with a speech therapist if the cancer affects their speech
- adjust their diet to foods that are easier to swallow, such as smoothies instead of whole fruits
- keep the mouth and teeth clean
- take regular small sips of water to hydrate the mouth
- ask their doctor about gentle jaw exercises to help with chewing
- consider other communication methods, such as using electronic devices for assistance, if the throat cancer affects their voice and speech
Each person with throat cancer will have a unique experience. Their healthcare team can provide tips and help specific to the symptoms and treatment side effects they experience.
Follow-ups
After treatment for cancer, people will continue to attend regular appointments. Their care team will monitor their progress and check that the cancer does not come back.
It is important to attend all follow-up sessions and to ask the doctor about any symptoms that persist or recur. This will help allow for early detection and treatment of any recurrence or new cancer.
The survival rate for throat cancer depends on the stage of cancer, the type, and where it occurs.
Experts use past statistics to calculate a 5-year relative survival rate, which estimates the likelihood that someone will live at least another five years after a cancer diagnosis.
The ACS provides 5-year relative survival rates using information from the SEER database, which the NCI maintains. Below are the 5-year relative survival rates of all SEER stages combined for people diagnosed with throat cancer between 2012 and 2018:
| Type of throat cancer | 5-year relative survival rate (all stages combined) |
|---|---|
| laryngeal (supraglottis) | 45% |
| laryngeal (glottis) | 77% |
| laryngeal (subglottis) | 49% |
| hypopharyngeal | 37% |
It is important to note that these estimates do not predict a person’s individual outlook. Researchers may also have developed new treatments since the studies collected the above data.
A person’s doctor is most suitable to evaluate their specific outlook in the context of their diagnosis, medical history, and treatment plan.
There are different types of throat cancer, and they have different outlooks. In most cases, an early diagnosis will mean a better chance of effective treatment.
Symptoms may include persistent sore throat or cough, difficulty swallowing, and voice changes. However, these symptoms can indicate other health conditions than cancer, so it is important to speak with a doctor for diagnosis.
Various treatments are available for throat cancer, but they may cause difficult side effects. People should speak with their healthcare team for help managing any adverse effects.