Throat cancer is often thought of as a single type of cancer, but it actually refers to a group of cancers that can develop in different parts of the throat. Each type's point of origin is in a different area of the throat, which is how they get their names. What are the various types of throat cancers, and how do their symptoms and treatments vary?
The throat consists of two main parts: the pharynx and the larynx. Throat cancer can develop in either area.
The pharynx is a hollow, muscular tube located in the neck. It begins behind the nose and extends down to the esophagus. Both air and food pass through the pharynx on their way to the trachea (windpipe) or esophagus, where your food passes through to your stomach.
Among these sections, the middle part of the pharynx is the most common site for cancer to develop.
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a short passageway made of cartilage located just below the pharynx in the neck. The larynx houses the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them. This sound then echoes through the pharynx, mouth, and nose, forming a person's voice. Additionally, the larynx contains a small flap of tissue called the epiglottis, which moves to cover the larynx and prevent food from entering the lungs.
Nasopharyngeal cancer develops in the nasopharynx, which is located behind the nasal cavity and is the upper section of the pharynx. Most instances of nasopharyngeal cancer are classified as squamous cell carcinoma since almost all cases of nasopharyngeal cancer originate in the lining of this structure, which consists of thin, flat cells known as squamous cells.
Symptoms associated with nasopharyngeal cancer typically include:
While the exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is not fully understood, certain risk factors may increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
In the United States, where nasopharyngeal cancer is less common than in other parts of the world, it is most likely to be diagnosed in people who are 50 or older.
Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the mucosa, or lining, of the oropharynx, which is the middle section of the pharynx. This area of the throat includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, and the soft palate. It is the most common type of throat cancer and is usually classified as squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include:
The primary cause of oropharyngeal cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, which can be transmitted to the throat through intimate contact such as deep kissing or oral sex. This virus can remain in the throat for several years. While the infection sometimes resolves on its own, in other cases, it may progress to cancer. Most HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers develop in the tonsil tissue.
Other common risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption.
Oropharyngeal cancer is twice as common in men as in women and typically affects individuals aged 50 to 80 years.
Hypopharyngeal cancer is found in the lower part of the throat called hyopharnyx. Most cases of hypopharyngeal cancer originate in squamous cells – thin, flat cells that line the interior of the hypopharynx.
The signs and symptoms associated with hypopharyngeal cancer include:
While these symptoms can also be related to other conditions, it's best to consult a doctor if they last longer than two or three weeks. Unfortunately, hypopharyngeal cancer is often diagnosed at more advanced stages because early signs and symptoms rarely occur.
When it comes to risk factors, there are several that can contribute to developing the disease, such as:
Having one or more risk factors does not guarantee the development of hypopharyngeal cancer, and neither does the lack of risk factors mean you won’t develop this type of cancer.
Laryngeal cancer occurs in the tissues of the larynx, which is the part of the throat located between the base of the tongue and the trachea (windpipe). The larynx has three main parts:
Several signs and symptoms may indicate laryngeal cancer. While they can also be symptoms of other conditions, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Since laryngeal cancer often directly affects the vocal cords, patients may also notice changes in their voice. Fortunately, these voice changes can lead to earlier detection of the disease.
The most common risk factors for laryngeal cancer include the use of tobacco and alcohol, especially when used together. Other notable risk factors include:
To detect and diagnose throat cancer, various tests are performed to examine the throat and neck. If a doctor suspects a tumor, they will likely refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) who will conduct the necessary exams and request further testing if needed.
The following tests and procedures may be performed to make a diagnosis:
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are common treatments for throat cancer. The recommended treatment plan depends on several factors, including the type, location, and stage of the cancer, whether you have an HPV infection, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Most types of throat cancer can be treated with surgery. Depending on the specifics of your cancer, including whether it is p16/HPV-positive or p16/HPV-negative, other treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy may be used either before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
While still under investigation, recent data has shown that people with HPV-related tumors, especially those diagnosed with oropharyngeal and tonsil cancers, are more easily cured with radiation and chemotherapy than people with tumors not caused by HPV.
The types of surgical procedures available for treating throat cancer depend on the cancer's location and stage. Options may include:
Overall, the treatment approach for throat cancer is tailored to each individual's situation.
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and slow or stop their growth. The most common type for treating throat cancer is external beam radiation therapy. In this procedure, the radiation is delivered from a machine while the patient lies still on a table. The machine moves around the patient to direct the beams precisely at the targeted area.
An advanced form of external beam radiation treatment used to treat throat cancer is intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT enables radiation oncologists to specifically target tumor cells with beams of varying intensities. This allows for a maximum dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues.
The types of medications used for throat cancer include:
Currently, there is no standard screening method for throat cancers. However, early detection is possible by being aware of unusual symptoms, such as changes in your voice. Be sure to get checked by your doctor if you experience any abnormal, persistent symptoms.
There are also several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing throat cancer, including those related to HPV.
If you've received a throat cancer diagnosis that requires treatment with radiation therapy, you have a choice of expert radiology treatment close to home. The Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia offers patients in the Atlanta area easy access to advanced radiation therapy at our locations in Conyers, Covington, Decatur, Snellville, and Blairsville. Request an appointment with one of our oncologists today.