Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects many areas, including the larynx (voice box), and lungs, usually starting in the thin squamous cells. It is more common in tobacco and alcohol users, but cases linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus are also on the rise.

Given the increasing number of cases, it’s crucial to know the throat cancer symptoms and risks. Also, if you’re preparing for MBBS or NEET PG, understanding throat cancer can help in your studies and enable you to make better diagnoses as a future healthcare professional.  

Keep reading for detailed insight!  

What is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer is a term for cancer that affects the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). It is less common than other types of cancer and is characterised by tumours developing in the voice box (laryngeal cancer) or throat (pharyngeal cancer). 

Here are some crucial factors to consider: 

• In the early stages, throat cancer usually does not cause symptoms. 
• When symptoms appear, they can resemble minor issues like a sore throat or earache, making them easy to overlook.
• However, if they last for two weeks or more, one must immediately consult a healthcare professional. 
• Many throat cancers can be treated, and some can be cured, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.                    

What are the Different Types of Throat Cancer?

Although most throat cancer cases affect the same type of cells, different terms are used based on where the cancer develops:

• Nasopharyngeal cancer develops in the nasopharynx, which is the region located behind the nose.
• Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the throat. 
• Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) forms in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx), which is the lower throat above the windpipe and oesophagus.
• Glottic cancer occurs in the vocal cords.
• Supraglottic cancer affects the upper voice box, including the epiglottis, which prevents food from entering the windpipe.
• Subglottic cancer usually develops in the lower part of the voice box, below the vocal cords.  

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer symptoms generally occur when genetic changes (mutations) cause healthy cells in the throat to become cancerous. Researchers are still studying what triggers these mutations. Several factors can increase the risk of developing such symptoms, including:

• Tobacco Use

Smoking or using tobacco products is the leading throat cancer causes. 

• HPV Infection

The human papillomavirus (HPV), often transmitted through oral sex, is now the most common cause of throat cancer in developed countries.

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Heavy drinking, especially when combined with tobacco use, raises the causes of throat cancer.

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection

This virus, which causes mononucleosis (mono), is also linked to nasopharyngeal cancer.

• Exposure to Harmful Substances

Long-term contact with carcinogens such as wood dust, asbestos, and formaldehyde can increase the risk.

• Unbalanced Diet

Eating too many preserved meats, and not enough fruits and vegetables can contribute to throat cancer. 

What are the Symptoms of Throat Cancer?

Numerous throat cancer symptoms are similar to those of common conditions such as colds or allergies. However, while minor illnesses improve over time, the symptoms do not go away without treatment. 

Some common symptoms of throat cancer include:

• Persistent sore throat
• Ear pain, sometimes feeling like an earache
• Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing
• A swelling or mass in the throat, neck, or back of the mouth
• Voice changes, such as hoarseness
• Chronic cough or coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss, often due to pain while eating

If symptoms last for two weeks or longer, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation. Additionally, the early signs of throat cancer depend on where the cancer occurs: 

• Oropharyngeal cancer may develop with ear pain, neck lump, or painful swallowing. 
• Laryngeal cancer usually causes persistent hoarseness.

What are the Different Stages of Throat Cancer?

Doctors generally determine the stages of throat cancer to understand how much it has grown and whether it has spread. This helps in choosing the best treatment. Throat cancer mainly has five stages:

1. Stage 0

Abnormal cells are present but not yet cancerous (carcinoma in situ).

2. Stage I

A small tumour (2 cm or less) is limited to the throat.

3. Stage II

The tumour is 2-4 cm in size but has not spread to lymph nodes. Vocal cords still function normally.

4. Stage III

The tumour is larger than 4 cm or has spread to nearby lymph nodes; vocal cords may not move properly.

5. Stage IV

The cancer has spread to other parts of the trachea, neck, oesophagus, thyroid, mouth, or jaw. Large or multiple lymph nodes may be affected, and it may even reach distant organs such as the lungs.

Throat cancer can be at any stage when diagnosed, but many cases are detected after the cancer starts spreading to lymph nodes. Stages III and IV are more difficult to treat and have a higher chance of returning.

How is the Diagnosis of Throat Cancer Conducted?

Healthcare providers use different tests to detect throat cancer symptoms and confirm a diagnosis. These mainly include:

• Physical Examination

The doctor checks for signs such as a lump in the neck and asks about risk factors such as smoking.

• Scope Tests

A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the throat to examine the area for cancer. This procedure is called an endoscopy (for the throat) or laryngoscopy (for the voice box).

• Biopsy

A small tissue sample is taken during a scope test and sent to a lab to check for cancer cells. Performing a biopsy is the only way to confirm throat cancer.

• Imaging tests

Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) help detect cancer in the throat and voice box. Meanwhile, a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan determines if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.  

What are the Treatment Options for Throat Cancer?

Doctors generally aim to remove the tumour to prevent the cancer from spreading and preserve speech and swallowing as much as possible. They use numerous throat cancer treatment options, including:

• Surgery

It helps to remove as much cancer as possible while preserving breathing, speech, and swallowing. Small tumours may be removed during a biopsy, while larger tumours may require removing part or all of the voice box (laryngectomy) or throat. A neck dissection may be needed to remove affected lymph nodes.

• Radiation Therapy

This therapy generally uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be the only treatment for small throat tumours or used with surgery and chemotherapy for advanced cases.

• Chemotherapy

This treatment generally uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often combined with radiation, given before surgery to shrink the throat tumour, or used after surgery to remove remaining cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Targeted therapy blocks proteins that help the cancer grow, while immunotherapy strengthens the immune system to fight cancer cells.

Generally, healthcare providers suggest these throat cancer treatment options for advanced or recurring cancer cases.     

What are the Preventive Measures to Lower Throat Cancer Risk?

There is no sure way to prevent throat cancer, but certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk, including:

• Quitting smoking can lower the risk of throat cancer. Since quitting can be challenging, nicotine replacement, medical support, or counselling may help.
• If one drinks alcohol, it should be in moderation.
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides vitamins and antioxidants that can help significantly in prevention.
• Since some throat cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), reducing sexual partners, using protection, and considering the HPV vaccine can help lower risks. 

FAQs About Throat Cancer

1. Can throat cancer be cured?

Throat cancer can be treated successfully, especially when detected early and removed through surgery. The chances of recovery depend on the stage, type, and location. So, it is best to consult a doctor for a clear understanding of the outlook.

2. What are the early signs of throat cancer?

Early symptoms of throat cancer are rare but may include a neck lump, swollen lymph nodes, persistent laryngitis, or one-sided throat pain. It is recommended to consult a doctor if these signs appear. 

3. Is throat cancer survival common?

Many people survive throat cancer, especially with early detection and effective treatment. The throat cancer survival rate usually depends on the stage of the cancer and available treatment options.

4. How can throat cancer be checked at home?

A person can check for throat cancer by feeling for swelling in the neck or looking for red and white patches in the throat. However, symptoms may not always be visible, and some cancers develop in areas that can’t be seen without medical procedures.

5. When is it necessary to consult a doctor for throat cancer?

A person should consult a doctor if they have unexplained neck or head symptoms that don’t improve within a few weeks. While it may not be cancer, it’s important to get it checked to identify the signs of throat cancer.

Conclusion

Throat cancer symptoms are similar to those of colds, infections, and allergies. A sudden, hoarse voice isn’t always a cause of this disease. However, if symptoms don’t improve within one to two weeks, a doctor should be consulted. Avoiding tobacco and preventing HPV infection can help lower the risk of throat cancer in the future.

Students preparing for NEET PG can explore DocTutorials for more such topics, high-quality video lectures, question banks, live sessions with faculty experts, and more. Check out our NEET PG course and boost your chances of securing that medical seat!