Throat cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop in the throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx) or tonsils.
The throat is a muscular tube that begins behind the nose and ends in the neck. The voice box sits just below the throat and is also susceptible to throat cancer. The voice box is made of cartilage and contains the vocal cords that vibrate to make sound when talking. Throat cancer can also affect the piece of cartilage (epiglottis) that acts as a lid for the windpipe. Tonsil cancer, another form of throat cancer, affects the tonsils, which are located on the back of the throat.
You can reduce the risk of throat cancer by not smoking, not chewing tobacco and limiting alcohol use.
Symptoms
Symptoms of throat cancer may include:
- A cough
- Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- A lump or sore that doesn't heal
- A sore throat
- Weight loss
Causes
Throat cancer occurs when cells in the throat develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating cells can form a tumor in the throat.
It is unclear what causes the mutation that causes throat cancer. But doctors have identified factors that may increase the risk.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the risk of throat cancer include:
- Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco
- Excessive alcohol use
- A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)
- A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
Complications
Like all cancerous diseases, throat cancer may expand and produce metastasis in the vicinity and elsewhere in the body.
Prevention
There's no proven way to prevent throat cancer from occurring. But in order to reduce the risk of throat cancer, you can:
- Stop smoking or don't start smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Stopping smoking can be very difficult, so get some help. The doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of the many stop-smoking strategies, such as medication, nicotine replacement products and counseling.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. For women, this means one drink a day. For men, moderate drinking means no more than two drinks a day.
- Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of throat cancer. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Protect yourself from HPV. Some throat cancers are thought to be caused by the sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus HPV. You can reduce the risk of HPV by limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom every time you have sex. Also consider the HPV vaccine, which is available to boys, girls, and young women and men.
