Throat Cancer

What is Throat Cancer

Throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) is an abnormal growth of cancerous cells (malignant tumors) in the throat. Tumors may affect the tonsils, the back of the throat (pharynx), or the voice box (larynx).

What are the causes?

The exact cause of throat cancer is not known.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop throat cancer if you:

  • Use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
  • Have a history of HPV (human papillomavirus).
  • Drink alcohol excessively.
  • Have combined lifestyle habits of alcohol and tobacco use.
  • Eat a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables.
  • Are African American.
  • Are male.
  • Are older than age 55.
  • Have been exposed to certain chemicals such as nickel, asbestos, or sulfuric acid fumes.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

  • Sore throat.
  • A lump, growth, or sore in the throat that does not get better.
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Ear pain.
  • Cough.
  • Weight loss without trying (unintentional weight loss).
  • Hoarse voice that does not go away.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms and medical history.
  • A physical exam of the throat. A tube with a light and a camera on the end of it (endoscope or laryngoscope) may be used to examine your throat.
  • Imaging tests, such as:
    • CT scan of the throat.
    • PET scan.
    • MRI.
    • X-rays of the chest and mouth.
  • Removal of a sample of tumor tissue to be tested (biopsy).
  • Tests to determine how well you are able to swallow, such as:
    • Barium swallow. This is a procedure in which you swallow a solution (barium) before X-rays are done to evaluate your throat and other structures. The barium shows up well on X-rays, making it easier for your health care provider to see possible problems.
    • Laryngeal videostroboscopy. During this exam, your health care provider uses an endoscope to take a video of your vocal cords in motion.
    • Fiberoptic endoscopic examination (FEES): During this procedure, a small, flexible endoscope is inserted through your nose to examine your ability to swallow.

Your cancer will be assessed (staged) to determine how severe it is and how much it has spread (metastasized).

How is this treated?

Treatment for throat cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Treatment may include one or more of the following:

  • Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This surgery may also involve removing lymph nodes in the area to be checked for cancer cells.
  • Medicines that kill cancer cells (chemotherapy).
  • High-energy rays that kill cancer cells (radiation therapy).
  • Targeted therapy. This targets specific parts of cancer cells and the area around them to block the growth and the spread of the cancer. Targeted therapy can help to limit the damage to healthy cells.
  • Medicines that help your body’s disease-fighting system (immune system) fight cancer cells (immunotherapy).

Follow these instructions at home:

Lifestyle

  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

Eating and drinking

  • Some of your treatments might affect your appetite and your ability to chew and swallow. If you are having problems eating, or if you do not have an appetite, meet with a diet and nutrition specialist (dietitian).
  • If you have side effects that affect eating, it may help to:
    • Eat smaller meals and snacks often.
    • Drink high-nutrition and high-calorie shakes or supplements.
    • Eat bland and soft foods that are easy to eat.
    • Not eat foods that are hot, spicy, or hard to swallow.

General instructions

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Consider joining a support group for people who have been diagnosed with throat cancer.
  • Work with your health care provider to manage any side effects of treatment.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Where to find more information

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.
  • You continue to lose weight without trying.
  • You have more problems chewing or swallowing.
  • You have new fatigue or weakness.
  • You have new symptoms, or your symptoms get worse.

Get help right away if:

  • You cough up blood.
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You faint.
  • You have pain that suddenly gets worse.

Summary

  • Throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) is an abnormal growth of cancerous cells (malignant tumors) in the throat.
  • Tumors may affect the tonsils, the back of the throat (pharynx), or the voice box (larynx).
  • Your cancer will be assessed (staged) to determine how severe it is and how much it has spread (metastasized).
  • Work with your health care provider to manage any side effects of treatment.
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