Cancer of the Throat

What is cancer of the throat?

Cancer of the throat (also called pharyngeal cancer) is a malignant tumor in the throat. The throat is the passageway leading from the mouth and back of the nose to the esophagus (food pipe). This cancer can spread to other areas near the throat and to lymph nodes in the neck. Later it may also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and become life threatening.

How does it occur?

Throat cancer is most common among heavy users of any type of tobacco and people who drink large amounts of alcohol. It is 7 times more common in men than women and generally occurs after age 50. The different risks between the sexes are thought to be due to greater alcohol and tobacco use in men.

What are the symptoms?

At first there may be no symptoms. When there are symptoms they are like the symptoms of respiratory infections such as colds. The following symptoms may occur as the cancer worsens:

• a change in your voice so that your voice sounds muffled
• hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks
• pain or trouble with swallowing
• earache
• a lump in the neck
• soreness on one side of the throat that does not go away
• persistent feeling of something in the throat
• blood in the sputum or from the nose.

A large tumor can block the throat, cutting off the air supply. Eventually this could cause you to pass out or suffocate.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your throat.

Your provider may use special instruments, mirrors, or a lighted viewing tube called an endoscope to get a better look at the throat and the surrounding area. Your provider may do a biopsy by taking a small sample of tissue from your throat for lab tests. You may be given a general anesthetic, which will put you to sleep during these tests.

When cancer is confirmed, you will have other tests. These include:

• blood tests
• special X-rays, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• possibly barium swallow X-rays to determine the extent of the cancer.

How is it treated?

Treatment is most successful during the early stages of the disease. Your healthcare provider, ear/nose/throat surgeon, and cancer specialist will determine the treatment based on the following factors:

• the stage (size and extent) of the tumor
• the location of the tumor.

Possible treatments are radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. They may be used alone or in combination:

• Radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. Radiation therapy may be the only treatment, or it may be combined with surgery and chemotherapy.
• Surgery to remove the tumor. Plastic surgery may also be desirable or necessary if tissue from another part of your body is needed to replace a part of the throat.
• Chemotherapy with or without radiation treatments and with or without surgery if the tumor is large and has spread. Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells and help stop them from spreading.

If cancer of the throat is found at an early stage, these treatments may result in a complete cure. In advanced cases, these steps may stop the growth for a while and ease the symptoms.

Your treatment team will discuss the treatment plan with you and your family. Having more than one method of treatment may help save your ability to swallow and speak as normally as possible.

How long will the effects last?

The effects of cancer of the throat depend on the stage, location, type, and treatment of the tumor.

How can I take care of myself?

• If radiation therapy is part of your care, see the dentist recommended by your healthcare provider for special care before treatment starts.
• Eat healthy meals and maintain good health practices.
• As your throat becomes sore from radiation treatments, maintain your weight by eating frequent meals and bland foods. Also use liquid nutrition supplements.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Complete the full course of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments ordered by your provider.
• Ask your provider what side effects you can expect to have from the radiation or chemotherapy. There are sometimes severe side effects, such as sore throat and damage to your teeth.
• If possible, locate a support group for cancer patients to help you during your illness and recovery.
• Maintain a hopeful and positive outlook throughout treatment and recovery.
• For more information on cancer, contact:

  American Cancer Society, Inc.
  800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
  http://www.cancer.org

  AMC Cancer Research Center and Foundation
  800-525-3777
  http://www.amc.org

  Cancer Information Service
  800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)
  http://www.cancer.gov

How can I help prevent cancer of the throat?

• Avoid use of tobacco products in any form.
• Avoid heavy use of alcohol.