Throat cancer

What is throat cancer?

Throat cancer, also known as pharyngeal cancer, is a form of cancer characterised by the presence of malignant tumour cells in the throat. There are various types of pharyngeal cancer, which include:

Nasopharynx cancer – when it affects the upper part of the throat behind the nose
Oropharynx cancer – when it is located in the middle part of the throat
Hypopharynx cancer – when the cancer is in the lower part of the pharynx
Laryngeal cancer – affects the larynx (the voice box)
Oral cancer - affects the tongue and mouth.

There are also another two types of throat cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common form of throat cancer which affects the cells lining the throat.
Adenocarcinoma – affects the glandular cells, but this is a rare form.

What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

The symptoms of throat cancer depend on the location and extent of the tumours, but in all cases a lump (nodule) may appear in the neck. Some common signs and symptoms can include:

earache
pain or difficulty when swallowing
sore throat
weight loss
a cough or feeling like you always need to clear your throat
changes in the sound of your voice
blood in the saliva
d ysphonia, also known as hoarseness
non-healing mouth ulcers.

What causes throat cancer?

Pharyngeal cancer, like all types of cancer, is caused by abnormal cell mutation and its reproduction. There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of this type of cancer developing. In the UK, these are classified as:

smoking
excessive alcohol consumption
HPV

Other less common risk factors include:

exposure to asbestos
poor diet
chewing tobacco

Can throat cancer be prevented?

Specialists recommend quitting smoking. It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of alcohol and follow a healthy lifestyle, which consists of eating properly and doing physical exercise on a regular basis.

How is throat cancer treated?

Treatment for throat cancer varies according to the site, size, and the extent of any spread.

Broadly speaking, the main treatment options are surgery or radiotherapy. The addition of chemotherapy may be advised, but chemotherapy alone will not cure the cancer.

If diagnosed early enough, throat cancer has a good survival rate.

If you are concerned about throat cancer, you can book an appointment with a specialist ENT surgeon here.

11-13-2012 05-20-2015

Professor Stuart Winter Doctor https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/stuart-winter

Top Doctors https://www.topdoctors.co.uk

Throat cancer

Professor Stuart Winter - Otolaryngology / ENT

Created on: 11-13-2012

Updated on: 05-20-2015

Edited by: Jay Staniland

What is throat cancer?

Nasopharynx cancer – when it affects the upper part of the throat behind the nose
Oropharynx cancer – when it is located in the middle part of the throat
Hypopharynx cancer – when the cancer is in the lower part of the pharynx
Laryngeal cancer – affects the larynx (the voice box)
Oral cancer - affects the tongue and mouth.

There are also another two types of throat cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common form of throat cancer which affects the cells lining the throat.
Adenocarcinoma – affects the glandular cells, but this is a rare form.

What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

The symptoms of throat cancer depend on the location and extent of the tumours, but in all cases a lump (nodule) may appear in the neck. Some common signs and symptoms can include:

earache
pain or difficulty when swallowing
sore throat
weight loss
a cough or feeling like you always need to clear your throat
changes in the sound of your voice
blood in the saliva
d ysphonia, also known as hoarseness
non-healing mouth ulcers.

What causes throat cancer?

smoking
excessive alcohol consumption
HPV

Other less common risk factors include:

exposure to asbestos
poor diet
chewing tobacco

Can throat cancer be prevented?

How is throat cancer treated?

Treatment for throat cancer varies according to the site, size, and the extent of any spread.

Broadly speaking, the main treatment options are surgery or radiotherapy. The addition of chemotherapy may be advised, but chemotherapy alone will not cure the cancer.

If diagnosed early enough, throat cancer has a good survival rate.

If you are concerned about throat cancer, you can book an appointment with a specialist ENT surgeon here.

Articles related to Throat cancer

What are the main causes of throat cancer?

By Professor Stuart Winter
2024-12-21

With head and neck cancers on the increase each year, we ask our expert otolaryngologist Mr Stuart Winter to explain the commonest causes of throat cancer and which preventative measures can be taken.... See more

Can throat problems affect the voice and breathing?

By Mr Mohiemen Anwar
2024-12-21

Here, highly experienced and regarded ENT specialist, Mr Mohiemen Anwar, outlines some of the most common throat problems, and reveals to what extent problems related to the throat can affect the voice and breathing. See more

minimally invasive surgery being performed

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lung cancer: what does it involve?

By Mr Marco Scarci
2024-12-18

What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lung cancer and what are its advantages? Highly respected consultant thoracic surgeon Mr Marco Scarci answers your questions about the surgery. See more

Are you at risk of developing throat cancer?

By Mr Tony Jacob
2024-12-18

Leading consultant ENT and head and neck surgeon, Mr Tony Jacob explains all about throat cancer, including who is at risk, what the symptoms are, and how it is treated. See more

Experts in Throat cancer

Book online Call
Mr Ajay Nigam
Otolaryngology / ENT

See opinions (12)

Expert in:
- Sinusitis
- Rhinoplasty (nose job)
- Snoring
- Ear infection
- Throat cancer
- Paediatric ENT
Book online Call
Mr Ryan Chin Taw Cheong
Otolaryngology / ENT

Expert in:
- Sleep apnoea
- Snoring
- Breathing problems
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Throat cancer
See all