Throat cancer includes cancer that occurs in several places in the throat, beginning at the back of the nose and heading down to the base of the voice box, or larynx. The mutation of throat cancer causes what were normal, healthy cells to grow for longer than most human cells do. A tumor may eventually form from the excess cells, causing difficulties. Researchers are still unclear on the exact cause of throat cancer, although several risk factors have been identified as contributors.
Lifestyle
Any type of tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, can contribute to the presence of throat cancer. Additionally, excessive alcohol use may cause it as well. Some experts also mention a vitamin A deficiency as a factor, while others declaim a lack of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, being exposed to asbestos and improper dental care are also mentioned in literature.
Underlying Conditions
Excessive heartburn, particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has recently been linked with an increased chance of throat cancer. Those who experience frequent heartburn are nearly 80% more likely to develop throat cancer than others. Luckily, over-the-counter antacids seem to mitigate some of the problems.
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, has also been discovered as a major risk factor for throat cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that causes warts in the genitals, mouth, and throat, and these warts can make normal cells become abnormal.
Other Cancers
Other types of cancer can also be a contributing factor. While men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women, the disease is also more common in people over 50 . Those who have other forms of cancer tend to develop other cancers simultaneously. This is due not only to the shared risk factors, but also to the rapid spread of some types of cancers.
