Description

Throat cancer refers to cancer that develops in the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx).

Your throat is a muscular tube that begins behind your nose and ends in the neck. Throat cancer most often begins in the flat cells that line the inside of your throat.

The voice box sits just below your throat and also is susceptible to throat cancer. The voice box is made of cartilage and contains the vocal cords that vibrate to make sound when you talk.

Types of throat cancer

Throat cancer is a general term that applies to cancer that develops in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or in the voice box (larynx cancer).

Although the majority of throat cancers include the same types of cells, specific terms are used to differentiate the part of the throat where the cancer originated.

  • Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx — the part of the throat just behind the nose.
  • Oropharyngeal cancer starts in the oropharynx (the part of the throat right behind the mouth, which includes the tonsils.
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) — the lower part of the throat, just above the esophagus and the trachea.
  • The glottis cancer begins in the vocal cords.
  • Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper part of the voice box, and includes a cancer that affects the epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that blocks of food in the trachea.
  • Subglottic cancer begins in the lower part of the voice box, below the vocal cords.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include:

  • A cough
  • Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ear pain
  • A lump or a sore that doesn't heal
  • A sore throat
  • Weight loss

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any new signs and symptoms that are persistent. The majority of throat cancer symptoms are not specific to the cancer, so your doctor will likely investigate other, more common causes first.

Causes

Throat cancer occurs when cells in your throat develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and to continue living after the healthy cells would normally die. The accumulation of cells can form a tumor in his throat.

It is not clear what causes the mutation that causes cancer in the throat. But doctors have identified factors that may increase your risk.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of throat cancer include:

  • The consumption of tobacco, including smoking and chewing tobacco
  • The excessive use of alcohol
  • Viral infections, including human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus
  • A diet poor in fruit and vegetables
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Exposure to toxic substances at work

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent throat cancer that may occur. But in order to reduce your risk of cancer of the throat, you can:

  • To quit or not start smoking. If you smoke, stop smoking. If you don't smoke, don't start. Quitting smoking can be difficult, so we get a bit of help. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of the many stop-smoking strategies, such as drugs, nicotine replacement products and advice.
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
  • Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer of the throat. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Protect fromHPV. Some of the cancers of the throat, it is believed that it is caused by the sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV). You can reduce your risk of getting HPV, by limiting the number of sexual partners and use a condom every time you have sex. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine, which may reduce the risk of throat cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose throat cancer, your doctor may recommend:

  • The use of a scope to get a closer look at your garganta.Su doctor may use a special lighted scope (endoscope) to get a close up look to his throat during a procedure called endoscopy. A camera on the end of the endoscope transmits images to a video screen that your doctor watches for signs of abnormalities in your throat. Another type of scope (laryngoscope) can be inserted into the voice box. Use a magnifying glass to help your physician to examine his vocal cords. This is a procedure called laryngoscopy.
  • Removing a sample of tissue for analysis.If abnormalities are found during an endoscopy or laryngoscopy, your doctor can pass the surgical instruments through the scope to collect a sample of tissue (biopsy). The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, specially trained doctors (pathologists) will examine you for signs of cancer. The tissue sample can also be tested forHPV, since the presence of this virus of the impacts of the treatment options for certain types of cancer in the throat.
  • Imaging tests. Imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), can help your doctor determine the extent of their cancer go beyond the surface of the throat or larynx.

The use of a scope to get a closer look at your throat. Your doctor may use a special lighted scope (endoscope) to get a close up look to his throat during a procedure called endoscopy. A camera on the end of the endoscope transmits images to a video screen that your doctor watches for signs of abnormalities in your throat.

Another type of scope (laryngoscope) can be inserted into the voice box. Use a magnifying glass to help your physician to examine his vocal cords. This is a procedure called laryngoscopy.

Removing a sample of tissue for analysis. If abnormalities are found during an endoscopy or laryngoscopy, your doctor can pass the surgical instruments through the scope to collect a sample of tissue (biopsy). The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

In the laboratory, specially trained doctors (pathologists) will examine you for signs of cancer. The tissue sample may also be tested for HPV , since the presence of this virus of the impacts of the treatment options for certain types of cancer in the throat.

Assay

Once that throat cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. Knowing the stage helps determine your treatment options.

The stage of throat cancer is characterized with Roman numerals I to IV. Each subtype of cancer of the throat has its own criteria for each stage. In general, stage I cancer of the throat indicates a small tumor confined to one area of the throat. The later stages indicate more advanced cancer, with stage IV being the most advanced.

Treatment

Your treatment options will be based on many factors, such as the location and stage of your cancer of the throat, the type of cells involved, if the cells show signs of HPV infection, your general state of health and your personal preferences. Discuss the benefits and risks of each of your options with your doctor. Together you can determine what treatments will be most appropriate for you.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays from sources such as X-rays and protons to deliver radiation to the cancer cells, causing their death.

Radiation therapy can come from a large machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or radiation therapy can come from small radioactive seeds and cables that can be placed on the inside of your body, near your cancer (brachytherapy).

For small cancers of the throat or throat cancers that have not spread to the lymph nodes, radiation therapy may be the only treatment needed. For more advanced cancers of the throat, radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy or surgery. In very advanced cancers of the throat, radiation therapy may be used to reduce the signs and symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.

Surgery

The types of surgical procedures that you can consider for the treatment of his throat cancer depend on the location and stage of your cancer. The options may include:

  • Surgery for small cancers of the throat or throat cancers that have not spread to the lymph nodes. Throat cancer that is confined to the surface of the throat or vocal cords can be surgically treated by endoscopy. Your doctor may insert a hollow endoscope down the throat or larynx and then pass special surgical tools or a laser through the scope. The use of these tools, your doctor can scrape, cut, or, in the case of the laser, vaporize very superficial cancers.
  • The surgery to remove all or part of the larynx (laryngectomy).For smaller tumors, your doctor may remove part of the voice box is affected by cancer, leaving as much of the voice box as possible. Your doctor may be able to maintain their ability to speak and breathe normally. For the larger, more extensive tumors, it may be necessary to remove all of your voice box. The trachea is attached to a hole (stoma) in the throat to help him breathe (tracheostomy). If the entire larynx is removed, you have several options for the restoration of his speech. You can work with a speech pathologist to learn to speak without the voice box.
  • Surgery to remove part of the throat (pharyngectomy).More small cancers of the throat may require the removal of only small parts of your throat during the surgery. Parts that are removed can be rebuilt in order to allow you to swallow food normally. The surgery to remove more of your throat usually includes removal of the voice box as well. Your doctor may be able to rebuild your throat to allow you to swallow the food.
  • The surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes (neck dissection). If the throat cancer has spread into the depths of his neck, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove some or all of the lymph nodes to see if they contain cancer cells.

The surgery to remove all or part of the larynx (laryngectomy). For smaller tumors, your doctor may remove part of the voice box is affected by cancer, leaving as much of the voice box as possible. Your doctor may be able to maintain their ability to speak and breathe normally.

For the larger, more extensive tumors, it may be necessary to remove all of your voice box. The trachea is attached to a hole (stoma) in the throat to help him breathe (tracheostomy). If the entire larynx is removed, you have several options for the restoration of his speech. You can work with a speech pathologist to learn to speak without the voice box.

Surgery to remove part of the throat (pharyngectomy). More small cancers of the throat may require the removal of only small parts of your throat during the surgery. Parts that are removed can be rebuilt in order to allow you to swallow food normally.

The surgery to remove more of your throat usually includes removal of the voice box as well. Your doctor may be able to rebuild your throat to allow you to swallow the food.

The surgery carries a risk of infection and bleeding. Other possible complications, such as trouble speaking or swallowing, will depend on the specific procedure you undergo.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy in the treatment of cancers of the throat. Certain chemotherapy drugs make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. But the combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy increases the side effects of both treatments.

Discuss with your doctor the side effects is likely that the experience and if you combine the treatments they offer benefits that outweigh these effects.

Targeted drug therapy

Specific drugs to treat cancer of the throat by taking advantage of specific defects in cancer cells the fuel cell growth.

As an example, the drug cetuximab (Erbitux) is a targeted therapy approved for the treatment of throat cancer in certain situations. Cetuximab stops the action of a protein found in many types of healthy cells, but is more frequent in certain types of cancer of the throat of the cells.

Other specific drugs are available and more are being studied in clinical trials. Specific drugs can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses your immune system to fight cancer. From your body to fight off diseases immune system will not attack the cancer because the cancer cells produce proteins that help to hide from the immune system cells. Immunotherapy works by interfering with that process.

Immunotherapy treatments are generally reserved for people with advanced throat cancer that does not respond to standard treatments.

Rehabilitation after treatment

The treatment for throat cancer often causes complications that may require work with specialists to regain the ability to swallow, eat solid food and to speak. During and after cancer of the throat treatment, your doctor may have you seeking help for:

  • The care of a surgical opening in the neck (stoma) if you have had a tracheostomy
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • The stiffness and pain in your neck
  • Speech problems

Your doctor can discuss the possible side effects and complications of treatments with you.

Supportive (palliative) care

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on the relief of pain and other symptoms of a serious disease. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care. Palliative care can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

When palliative care is used along with all other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better and live longer.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained professionals. Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life of people with cancer and their families. This form of care that is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Stop smoking

Throat cancers are closely linked to smoking. Not all people with throat cancer smokes. But if you smoke, now is the time to stop because:

  • Smoking makes treatment less effective
  • Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to heal after surgery
  • Smoking increases the risk of developing another cancer in the future

Quitting smoking can be very difficult. And it is much more difficult when you are trying to cope with a stressful situation, such as a cancer diagnosis. Your doctor can discuss all of your options, including medications, nicotine replacement products and advice.

Stop drinking alcohol

Alcohol, especially when combined with smoking or chewing tobacco, greatly increases the risk of cancer of the throat. If you drink alcohol, stop now. This can help reduce your risk of a second cancer. Stop drinking may also help to better tolerate the throat cancer treatments.

Alternative medicine

There are alternative treatments that have been shown to be useful in the treatment of cancer in the throat. However, some complementary and alternative treatments may help you cope with the diagnosis and with the side effects of throat cancer treatment. Talk with your doctor about your options.

Alternative treatments that may be useful include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Meditation
  • Relaxation techniques

Coping and support

Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. Throat cancer affects one part of your body that is vital to everyday activities, such as breathing, eating and speaking. In addition to worrying about how these activities can be affected, it also may be concerned about your treatment and chances of survival.

Though you may feel like your life, your survival is out of their hands, you can take steps to feel more in control and to deal with his throat cancer diagnosis. To cope, try the following:

  • Learn enough about the throat cancer to make treatment decisions. Write a list of questions to ask your doctor at your next appointment. Ask your doctor about other sources of information about your cancer. To know more about your specific condition can help you feel more comfortable when making treatment decisions.
  • Find someone to talk to. Seek out sources of support that can help you to deal with the emotions that you are feeling. You can have a close friend or family member who is a good listener. Members of the clergy, and counselors are other options. Consider joining a support group for people with cancer. Contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS), or Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer. The ACS Cancer Survivors Network of online offers, message boards and chat rooms that you can use to connect with other people with throat cancer.
  • Take care of yourself during cancer treatment. Make keeping your body healthy during the treatment a priority. Avoid excess stress. Get enough sleep each night so that you wake feeling rested. Take a walk or find time to exercise when you feel up to it. Make time to relax, such as listening to music or reading a book.
  • Go to all your appointments seguimiento.Su doctor will schedule follow-up exams every few months during the first two years after treatment, and then less frequently. These tests allow your doctor to monitor your recovery and check for a recurrence of the cancer. Follow-up exams can make you feel nervous, as you may recall from your initial diagnosis and treatment. You may fear that your cancer has returned. Expect a bit of anxiety around the time of each follow-up appointment. Plan ahead of time for search of relaxing activities which can help to direct your mind away from your fears.

Go to all your follow-up appointments. Your doctor will schedule follow-up exams every few months during the first two years after treatment, and then less frequently. These tests allow your doctor to monitor your recovery and check for a recurrence of the cancer.

Follow-up exams can make you feel nervous, as you may recall from your initial diagnosis and treatment. You may fear that your cancer has returned. Expect a bit of anxiety around the time of each follow-up appointment. Plan ahead of time for search of relaxing activities which can help to direct your mind away from your fears.

Preparing for your appointment

Make an appointment with your family doctor if you have any of the signs or symptoms that worry you. If your doctor suspects you may have cancer or another disease that affects the throat, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there is often a large amount of information to discuss, it is a good idea to be prepared. Here's some information to help you prepare, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there is anything that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Consider the possibility of a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of their time together. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For cancer of the throat, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • There are other possible causes of your symptoms or condition?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the solution that you are suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
  • You should see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • What is going to determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions. Be ready to answer them may allow time later to cover the points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

If you use tobacco, stop. Avoid doing the things that make your symptoms worse. If you have a sore throat, you should avoid foods and beverages that cause additional irritation. If you are having trouble eating because of a sore throat, you should consider a nutritional supplement drinks. These may be less irritating to the throat at the same time offering the calories and nutrients that you need.

Symptoms and treatment of Throat cancer