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Throat Cancer

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What is Throat Cancer?

What is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer is a malignant tumor in the pharynx or the area where the mouth meets the pharynx (oropharynx). Throat cancer is under the umbrella of head and neck cancer. It may also arise in the hypopharynx (lower throat), nasopharynx (upper throat, where it meets the nasal passages), or larynx (voice box).

Stages of Throat Cancer

Stages

Your treatment options will be based on the stage of your cancer, a measure of the extent of its growth. Below is the staging of HPV-negative throat cancer.

  • Stage 0 throat cancer means some abnormal cells in the throat lining could become cancerous
  • Stage I throat cancer is no more than 2 cm in diameter and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Stage II throat cancer is larger than 2 cm but no more than 4 cm and still has not spread to the lymph nodes
  • Stage III throat cancer is larger than 4 cm or has spread to a nearby lymph node smaller than 3 cm in size
  • Stage IV throat cancer has spread (metastasized) to nearby tissues, such as the windpipe, neck, esophagus, thyroid gland, jaw, mouth, or other sites farther away, such as the lungs. There may be one lymph node larger than 3 cm, multiple lymph nodes on the same side of the neck as the tumor, which contain cancer cells, or a cancer-containing lymph node on the opposite side of the neck.

Throat cancer staging can be more specific based on whether someone is positive or negative for human papillomavirus (HPV, a common cause of throat cancer). People whose throat cancer returns after prior treatment are considered to have stage IV disease.

Types of Throat Cancer

Types

Throat cancer is a general term that describes a malignancy in one of several areas in the throat or voice box. Your treatment will be based on your tumor's type, location, stage, and biology (such as whether or not it is HPV-positive or HPV-negative).

Types of throat cancer include:

  • Oropharynx cancer develops in the part of your throat directly behind your mouth, including your tonsils
  • Nasopharynx cancer arises in the area of the throat behind your nose
  • Hypopharynx cancer is in the lower part of the throat, above the esophagus and windpipe

 

More to Explore

Signs & Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Symptoms

Many throat cancer symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms that are not going away or are getting worse:

  • Hoarseness or other change in your voice
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Persistent sore throat
  • Ear pain or ringing
  • A lump in the neck
  • Unexplained weight loss

What Causes Throat Cancer?

Causes

Throat cancer can arise when cells in your throat undergo certain genetic changes (mutations) that make them grow and multiply uncontrollably. Certain risk factors may trigger these mutations. The cells accumulate into a tumor. Cancer metastasis happens when the cells leave the tumor and spread to other parts of the body

Risk Factors for Throat Cancer

Risk Factors

Several factors raise the risk of developing throat cancer:

  • Tobacco use, both smoking and chewing (including betel quid and gutka)
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Combined alcohol and tobacco use
  • HPV, especially the HPV 16 strain, has made oropharynx cancer the fastest-growing head and neck cancer in the United States
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, or heartburn)
  • Exposure to toxic substances, such as in the workplace

Preventing Throat Cancer

Prevention

While there is no proven way to prevent the development of throat cancer, you can reduce your risk by taking the following steps:

  • Avoiding tobacco use or quitting, if you already smoke or chew
  • Consuming alcohol in moderation, if at all
  • Following a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Protecting yourself from HPV by using a condom during sex or—if you are eligible—getting vaccinated against HPV
  • Avoiding exposure to workplace chemicals by ensuring proper ventilation and use of protective equipment
Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Throat Cancer Care

If you have been diagnosed with throat cancer or you have throat cancer symptoms that won't go away, the cancer care teams at NewYork-Presbyterian can help. In addition to throat cancer, we treat all types of head and neck cancers, including nasal and paranasal sinus cancers, Schwannoma, and acoustic neuroma.

Make an appointment today to meet with one of our throat cancer experts and learn more about what we can do for you.