Cancer of the throat is cancer of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancers.
Most cancers of the throat develop in adults older than 50. Men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers.
Symptoms
Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
Cough
Coughing up blood
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness that does not get better in 1 - 2 weeks
Neck pain
Sore throat that does not get better in 1 - 2 weeks, even with antibiotics
Swelling or lumps in the neck
Unintentional weight loss
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show a lump on the outside of the neck.
Tests may include:
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
When the tumor is small, either surgery or radiation therapy alone can be used to remove the tumor.
When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is often used to preserve the voice box.
Some patients need surgery to remove the tumor, including all or part of the vocal cords (laryngectomy). If you have a laryngectomy, speech therapy can help you learn other ways to talk.
Many patients also need swallowing therapy after treatment to help them adjust to the changes in the structure of the throat.
Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.
Expectations (prognosis)
Throat cancers can be cured in 90% of patients if detected early. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes in the neck, 50 - 60% of patients can be cured. If the cancer has spread (metastasized) to parts of the body outside the head and neck, the cancer is not curable and treatment is aimed at prolonging and improving quality of life.
After treatment, patients generally need therapy to help with speech and swallowing. A small percentage of patients (5%) will not be able to swallow and will need to be fed through a feeding tube.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if:
You have symptoms of throat cancer, especially hoarseness or a change in voice with no obvious cause that lasts longer than 3 weeks
You find a lump in your neck that does not go away in 2 - 3 weeks
Prevention
Avoid smoking and other tobacco exposure. Limit or avoid alcohol use.
References
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Head and Neck Cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network; 2010. Version 2.2010. [PubMed: 12667883]
- Posner M. Head and neck cancer. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 200.
- Armstrong WB, Vokes DE, Maisel RH. Malignant tumors of the larynx. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund VJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 107.
