Throat Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Throat cancer doesn't happen often, but you should pay attention to its early warning signs. Most people don't notice anything wrong until the cancer advances, which makes treatment harder. Watch out for signs that don't go away - a hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, neck or throat lumps, and weight loss without explanation. These signs can show up in different throat areas, either in the pharynx or larynx. This comprehensive piece gives you everything you need to know about throat cancer symptoms.

What is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer develops in the tissues of the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). The throat is a muscular tube that begins behind the nose and goes down to the neck. The voice box contains vocal cords that help us speak - these are the main areas this cancer affects.

Throat cancer is different from other cancers in how it first appears. People rarely notice immediate symptoms and early signs often look like minor health issues such as a common sore throat or earache. Many patients delay seeing a doctor because these symptoms seem harmless.

Types of Throat Cancer

Doctors separate these cancers into four main categories based on their location in the throat:

• Oropharyngeal Cancer: This is the most common type. The cancer develops in the oropharynx, where the throat connects with the mouth. HPV infections have caused these cases to rise steadily.
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer: This cancer is more common in Asian populations. It affects the nasopharynx, the uppermost section of the throat behind the nasal cavity.
• Hypopharyngeal Cancer: This rare form develops in the throat's lower portion near the larynx. Because of its location, doctors treat it much like laryngeal cancer.
• Laryngeal Cancer: The voice box houses this cancer type, affecting the vocal cords. The larynx does more than enable speech - it works as a vital valve that opens to breathe and guides food to the stomach.

Apart from the most common cancer, throat cancer can also show up as these additional types:

• Adenocarcinoma: Develops in the throat's glandular cells
• Sarcoma: A rare variant that grows in neck muscle fibres
• Lymphoma: This uncommon type affects the throat's lymph nodes

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer symptoms can be hard to spot because they often look like everyday health issues. 

The original signs of throat cancer depend on where the tumour grows. Most patients notice these main symptoms:

• A painless lump in the neck, about two inches below the jawline
• A sore throat that doesn't get better is most common throat cancer early symptom
• Voice changes, mostly ongoing hoarseness
• Pain or trouble when swallowing
• Pain in one ear
• A constant cough, sometimes with blood in the phlegm

The disease progresses and brings more symptoms:

• Weight loss without explanation
• Changes in how well you hear
• Neck's lymph nodes become swollen
• Headaches and facial pain that won't go away
• Trouble breathing
• Red or white patches inside the mouth
• Sores that won't heal
• One tonsil looks bigger or different from the other
• Difficulty moving the tongue or opening the mouth
• Blood from the nose
• Blood in saliva

Risk Factors and Causes of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer begins when genetic mutations affect throat cells. These mutations turn healthy cells into cancer cells that grow faster and spread through the body. Scientists are still studying what exactly causes these cell changes.

Many factors increase throat cancer risk:

• Tobacco/Gutka use
• Drinking alcohol 
• HPV infection, mainly types HPV16 and HPV18

Other important risk factors include:

• Contact with harmful substances like asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and certain industrial chemicals
• Poor diet, especially low fruit and vegetable intake or eating lots of preserved meats
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Epstein-Barr virus infection, which causes mononucleosis
• Plummer-Vinson syndrome, characterised by iron deficiency and trouble swallowing
• Extra body weight and obesity

Complications of Throat Cancer

Patients who don't receive treatment might face several serious issues. Their airways could become blocked, and they may have facial or neck disfigurement, while their neck skin becomes harder. Voice loss and speech problems are common, and the cancer might spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment side effects can improve over time. Patients who undergo radiation therapy and surgery might permanently lose their ability to swallow, speak, or hear properly. But it improves over time with speech and swallowing therapy.

Several other complications can develop:

• Lymphedema
• Thyroid Problems
• Dental Issues
• Speech Changes

Diagnosis

Doctors use several diagnostic tests to confirm throat cancer. The diagnostic experience starts when doctors check for abnormalities in the mouth, throat, and neck regions during a physical exam.

• Endoscopic Procedures: Doctors use a thin tube with a light and camera (endoscope) to enter the throat through the nose or mouth. This allows them to spot potential cancerous growths and collect tissue samples when needed.
• Biopsy: A biopsy provides the definitive diagnosis of throat cancer. The procedure includes removing a small tissue sample for lab testing. Doctors use these biopsy methods:
  • Fine-needle aspiration: Used to analyse neck lumps
  • Conventional incisional biopsy: Removes part of the suspected tissue
  • Excisional biopsy: Takes out most or all of the suspicious tissue
  • Endoscopic biopsy: Explicitly used for nasal cavity or nasopharyngeal cancers
• Advanced Imaging Tests: These tests help doctors determine how far the cancer has spread:
  • CT scans: Create detailed cross-sectional images
  • MRI scans: Use magnetic fields & radio waves for detailed internal views
  • PET scans: Combined with CT scans to identify cancer cells through radioactive material
  • Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to detect abnormalities
  • Chest X-rays: Check for cancer spread to the lungs

Throat Cancer Treatment

Several factors determine the treatment approach for throat cancer, including the cancer's location, stage, and the patient's overall health. 

• Surgery: The size & location of the tumour determine surgical options. Doctors often remove small tumours through Robotic Surgery or endoscopy to preserve most of the throat structure. Larger tumours may need more extensive procedures such as:
  • Partial or complete laryngectomy (voice box removal)
  • Pharyngectomy (removal of throat sections)
  • Neck dissection to remove affected lymph nodes
• Radiation Therapy: Different methods use high-energy beams to target cancer cells:
  • External beam radiation
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
  • Proton therapy
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
• Chemotherapy: Radiation therapy works well with chemotherapy because certain chemotherapy medicines make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. This combination proves more effective but usually leads to increased side effects.
• Advanced Treatment Options: Modern treatments include:
  • Targeted therapy: Blocks specific proteins that accelerate cancer growth
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's natural defences against cancer
  • Clinical trials: Give access to the newest treatment approaches
• Supportive Care: Patients receive detailed support services throughout their treatment:
  • Speech therapy to restore voice
  • Swallowing therapy
  • Dental care to manage treatment-related complications
  • Reconstructive surgery options
  • Regular follow-up care every three to six months

When to See a Doctor

Doctors say you need immediate care for these specific symptoms:

• Severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing, Change in Voice 
• Trouble breathing or pain during breathing
• Problems opening the mouth
• Painful or stiff neck
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Unexplained swollen glands
• Large, tender lumps in the neck
• New skin rash or bruising
• Ear pain

Prevention

You can take several steps to protect yourself against throat cancer. 

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Cancer risk drops substantially when you quit smoking or avoid tobacco products entirely. Stopping alcohol consumption is a vital part, too, since combining alcohol and smoking creates a much higher risk of throat cancer than either habit alone.

• HPV Prevention: HPV causes about 30% of throat cancers. Here are three ways to prevent it:
  • Get vaccinated with the HPV vaccines
  • Reduce the number of sexual partners
  • Use protection during intimate contact
• Dietary Modifications: A Mediterranean-style diet can help lower your throat cancer risk with these foods:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes and citrus fruits
  • Olive oil and fish oil
  • Minimal processed foods and refined sugars
  • Limited amounts of animal products and processed meats
• Workplace Safety: Workers who handle potentially harmful substances need these safety measures:
  • Good workplace ventilation
  • Industrial respirators for chemical handling
  • Proper occupational health and safety practices
  • Professional help for asbestos removal
• Regular Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups help detect problems early. Your doctor should examine any throat symptoms that last more than two weeks.
• Weight Management: A healthy weight through good nutrition and regular exercise helps reduce cancer risk. Scientists have linked poor nutrition and excess body weight to higher throat cancer risks.

FAQs

1. Is throat cancer curable?

Early detection of throat cancer leads to successful treatment outcomes. Patients with HPV-related throat cancers show better responses to treatment than other types.

2. What are the leading causes of throat cancer?

Tobacco use remains the biggest trigger for throat cancer. Other mechanisms include:

• Heavy drinking combined with smoking hits especially hard
• HPV infection causes 30% of tonsil and soft palate cancers
• Industrial chemicals and asbestos exposure
• Lack of proper nutrition and vitamin deficiencies

3. At what age does throat cancer start?

Throat cancer develops most often in older adults, with an average diagnosis age of 66 years. About 20% of cases show up in people under 55. HPV infections have driven an upward trend in younger patients over the last several years.

4. What is the blood test for throat cancer?

Doctors cannot detect throat cancer alone through blood tests. Blood tests help assess overall health and treatment readiness. They check liver and kidney function, blood cell counts, and nutrition levels.

5. Is throat cancer painful?

Patient's pain experiences differ. Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing throat soreness, Change in Voice 
• Swallowing becomes painful
• One-sided ear pain
• Face discomfort
• The neck has swelling 

6. How to check for oral cancer at home?

A complete picture of self-examination should cover both visible and hidden areas of your mouth and throat. The Mouth Cancer Foundation suggests this examination for anyone over 16 years old. Here is a well-laid-out approach:

• Face and Neck Examination:
  • Look out for unusual swellings or skin changes
  • Turn your head from side to side to stretch your neck muscles
  • Feel beneath your jaw and along your neck muscles to check for lumps
  • Look for any differences between the sides
• Mouth Examination:
  • Pull your lips up and down to check the inner surfaces
  • Feel inside and outside your gums
  • Check your cheeks for red or white patches
  • Look beneath your tongue and mouth floor
  • Check your mouth's roof for changes
  • Watch for sores or texture differences

7. Can you recover from throat cancer?

Recovery rates depend on several factors, especially how early doctors catch the cancer.

8. What is the first stage of throat cancer?

Stage 0, carcinoma in situ, shows abnormal cells that stay in the throat's top layer. These cells might become cancerous. The tumour remains small in Stage I, measuring less than two centimetres without spreading to lymph nodes. 

9. Can throat cancer be removed?

Surgeons can treat throat cancer effectively through various procedures. Small tumours allow doctors to use minimally invasive techniques and remove cancerous tissue through the mouth. 

10. How to avoid throat cancer?

Young, healthy non-smokers show increased rates of oropharyngeal cancers in recent studies. You can take several steps to protect yourself:

• HPV Protection: HPV vaccines are accessible to young adults and adolescents
• Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking & reduce alcohol intake since these habits increase cancer risk
• Dietary Choices: Eat whole foods with plenty of fruits & vegetables instead of processed foods and refined sugars
• Regular Check-ups: Get symptoms checked if they last more than two weeks