Throat cancer is the result of an unidentifiable mutation that generally begins in the lining of the throat. The mutation causes cells to continue growing when they should normally die to make way for new cells, thus potentially creating a tumor from excess. After diagnosing the presence of throat cancer, the exact stage must be diagnosed to choose an appropriate treatment plan and provide accurate information.
How is Throat Cancer Staged?
There four stages to throat cancer: I, II, III, and IV. The stage is based on three separate aspects: Tumor, Node, and Metastasis according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s “TNM” system. Each aspect is graded, also increasing in severity as the number increases, from 0 to 4. “Tumor” is graded according to the size and location of any tumor present. “Node” refers to whether or not the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. "Metastasis” refers to whether other body parts have cancer (such as the breasts or bladder). Based on this assessment, the stages I-IV are designated.
Stage I
At this point, any tumor present is very small—less than seven centimeters. The cancer is present only in the throat, or pharynx. Appropriate treatment usually consists of radiation therapy or surgery that removes very small sections of the throat before reconstructing the area to allow for continued swallowing and talking. Therapy to regain these aspects may be necessary.
Stage II
As throat cancer enters stage II, the tumor is larger than seven centimeters but is still only present in the pharynx. Depending upon other factors, the same treatment options may still be necessary, or other options, like chemotherapy, may be necessary in tandem with radiation therapy or surgery.
Stage III
Stage III means the throat cancer is growing and spreading. The cancer is no longer only present in the pharynx; it may have also invaded the epiglottis (the flap covering of the windpipe), larynx, or tonsils. More aggressive therapies may be needed. Surgery may required in stage III. Recovery therapy may now include learning to speak without the voice box. A tube may need to sent down the throat to assist during surgery, and any openings created will require additional care.
Stage IV
By stage IV, not only is the tumor much larger, but the cancer is also present in the lymph nodes and has metastasized around the body. Radiation therapy may be used less as a treatment and more as a means to keep the patient comfortable. Surgery may be more extensive, and require the removal of the lymph nodes as well.
