Throat cancer

Throat cancer, also called pharyngeal cancer, forms in tissues of the pharynx. The pharynx is the hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and leads to the esophagus (the tube that goes to the stomach) and the trachea (the tube that goes to the lungs).

Throat cancer can develop in any of the three regions of the pharynx ~
Throat cancer of the oropharynx develops in the middle part of the throat. The oropharynx includes the base of the tongue, soft palate of the back of the mouth, and the tonsils.

Throat cancer of the hypopharynx develops in the bottom, or lower, part of the throat.

Throat cancer of the nasopharynx develops in the hollow tube in the upper part of the throat that starts behind the nose and runs down the neck to the esophagus. Most throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

Potential throat cancer symptoms may include:
1. A painless lump in the throat or neck
2. A discolored white or red patch inside the mouth
3. Unexplained pain or bleeding in the mouth
4. A sore throat or cough that does not go away
5. Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
6. Hoarseness or other change in the voice
7. Pain in the ear
8. Swelling or pain in the jaw

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?
If your doctor believes you may have throat cancer, he will order a series of tests. A laryngoscopy will be conducted. A laryngoscopy is an examination by use of a tube with a small lighted camera. A cranial CT scan and/or cranial MRI may also be conducted. These tests will help determine if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck.

Your doctor may also conduct a biopsy to analyze tissues that may be cancerous. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination. Biopsies are used to help diagnose disease.

Can Throat Cancer be Treated?
Yes!! Treatment is aimed at destruction of the cancer cells and prevention of spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. Some common treatment options are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. If the tumor that contains the cancer cells is small, either surgery or radiation therapy alone can be used to eliminate the tumor.

If the tumor is not small, or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a more aggressive treatment of radiation and chemotherapy is often needed. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the tumor and vocal cords is necessary. If the vocal cords are removed, artificial vocal cords may be implanted into the throat.

Can Throat Cancer be Prevented?
One of the bests ways to reduce your risk of developing throat cancer is to minimize or avoid smoking and excess alcohol use.