Throat cancer covers a range of cancers that appear in the tonsils, larynx, epiglottis, or throat itself. Any type of cancer can be frightening, but perhaps throat cancer especially so, since it can get in the way of your ability to communicate if the larynx is affected and requires removal. Here is a look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of throat cancers.
Symptoms
Although many cancers share similar symptoms, such as weight loss, the location of the cancer can have an impact on which symptoms may be present. The lining of the throat is commonly the primary location of throat cancer. Since the throat is responsible for part of quite a range of functions, cancer growing there may become obvious in a range of ways.
You may notice a large lump in the area, separate from the lymph nodes on either side. It can become more difficult to swallow or breathe, and you may notice wheezing, a sore throat, or an uncommon hoarseness to your voice. A persistent cough, potentially expelling blood, can also indicate throat cancer. Because of the proximity, ear pain may also be present.
Causes
Like most types of cancer, experts are still unsure what causes the mutation of the cells in the throat and surrounding structures. Once present, however, these mutations become contagious to nearby tissue. While normal tissue would simply grow and die in the natural cycle of bodily cells, the mutated cells persist long after they should slough off and make room for new growth.
Risk factors that researchers have identified include overuse of tobacco products and alcohol, the presence of the human papillomavirus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the disease is more common in males than females and occurs most often in people over the age of 50.
Types
There are several types of throat cancer, depending on their anatomical placement within the throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, these types include:
- Nasopharyngeal: Behind the nose
- Oropharyngeal: At the back of the mouth, including the tonsils
- Hypopharyngeal: The lower throat, by the esophagus
- Glottic: In the vocal cords
- Supraglottic: The upper larynx and epiglottis
- Subglottic: Lower voice box
Treatment
After an appropriate diagnosis is made using visual evidence and pathology (examining tissues and fluids for abnormalities), there are a variety of treatment options for throat cancer, depending upon progression and other factors. Additionally, because of the location of throat cancer, treatment often impinges upon the throat’s functioning; therapy is often required to regain full use of skills such as speaking or swallowing following throat cancer treatment.
- Radiation: Using an external machine that focuses the beams or by implanting a small seed of radiation, high amounts of energy are directed at cancerous cells, killing them through radiation. It is used for treating earlier stages, in combination with other treatment options for later stages, or to manage symptoms in late-stage cancers.
- Chemotherapy: Often used in tandem with radiation, chemotherapy uses specific drugs to target and kill the cancer cells.
- Surgery: Several different forms of surgery may be used, depending on how advanced the cancer is. Surgery may involve removing the cancer itself, removing some or all of the voice box, removing part of the throat and voice box, and removing of the lymph nodes, if the cancer has spread.
- Targeted Drug Therapy: Certain drugs, like Cetuximab, can be used to attack the makeup of cancer cells and keep them from growing.
