Throat cancer is a universal term for cancers of the throat. Cancer of the throat is a common type of head and neck cancer that can have a range of symptoms.
If you are worried that you may be experiencing early symptoms of cancer, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health today. We offer professional oncology services and expert, comprehensive care for throat cancer.
Signs and symptoms of throat cancer depend on the specific area of the cancer, but may include:
These symptoms can also occur with many other health conditions and are not always a sign of cancer. Whether it is cancer or not, seeking early diagnosis and treatment will often improve the outcome. If you have these symptoms for longer than two weeks, see a doctor immediately.
Tobacco use and smoking is the leading risk factor for most head and neck cancers, including throat cancer. About 85 percent of head and neck cancers result from tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless products.
Smoking more, and for more extended periods, increases your risk. Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection also make you more likely to develop throat cancer.
Throat cancer can be divided into categories based on which part of the throat is affected.
The throat includes two major areas. The first area is the pharynx, which consists of the nasopharynx (behind the nose), the oropharynx (behind the mouth), and the hypopharynx (behind the larynx).
The second area is the larynx (voice box), which is located further down in the neck. Cancers in and around the larynx include glottic cancer, which starts in the glottis (vocal chords), supraglottic cancer (which starts in the epiglottis at the top of your windpipe), and subglottic cancer, which occurs in the lower part of your larynx.
Some of the known risk factors for throat cancer are:
While the connection has not been extensively studied, some diet and lifestyle factors may also influence throat cancer:
Cancer prevention strategies focus on controlling risk factors. Some ways to reduce your chances of throat cancer include:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.