Throat cancer is sometimes called laryngeal cancer. But the throat includes the larynx and other parts of the throat nearby. So laryngeal cancer is just one type of cancer that can affect the throat. Early symptoms of throat cancer can be difficult to recognize, as many of the symptoms are similar to those of a cold or sore throat. Sometimes people search for throat cancer symptoms under different names, such as esophageal cancer symptoms, oral cancer symptoms, and early throat cancer symptoms.
Common symptoms of throat cancer
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia
Changes in your voice
Sore throat
Bleeding in the mouth or nose
Swelling of the eyes, jaw, throat, or neck
Chronic cough
Unexplained weight loss
Some symptoms of throat cancer are specific to certain areas of the body. For example, changes in your voice may be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box), but they are rarely
Different types of throat cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx occurs in more than 9 out of 10 cases. This type of cancer arises in the cells lining the inside of the larynx.
Other types: There are some rare types of cancer that arise from other types of cells inside the larynx. For example, laryngeal adenocarcinoma arises from cells in the tiny glands in the wall of the larynx that make mucus. There are some other very rare types.
Throat cancer that begins in squamous cells can invade deeper tissues, including muscle. Some types of thyroid cancer can quickly invade nearby structures, such as the windpipe. If left untreated, the enlarged tumor may press on the windpipe and cause breathing problems. Throat cancer may also metastasize (spread) to other tissues or organs in the body, such as the lungs.
Treatment options
Treatment usually depends on the size, type, and location of the cancer and whether it has spread, but can include:
Surgery – where the tumor is surgically removed. This may require partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, tissue, muscle, the entire larynx (laryngectomy) or the tongue (glossectomy), depending on the location and size of the tumor. Nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed if the cancer has spread to them.
Radiation therapy – Small, precise doses of radiation target and destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy – the use of cancer-killing drugs, often with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be helpful in controlling cancers that have spread (metastasized) because the whole body is treated.
Multiple modality or booster treatments – such as surgery followed by radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, especially for large tumors.
Long-term monitoring – This may include regular check-ups and X-rays to make sure the cancer has not returned.
Rehabilitation therapy – This may include help from a dietitian, speech therapist, and physical therapist. Social workers, counselors, and clinical psychologists can help patients adjust to the changes that occur after surgery in their finances, social and professional lives, and appearance.
Men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women. Some lifestyle habits also increase the risk of throat cancer, including: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, vitamin A deficiency, and others.
If you have been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and find that none of the above conventional treatment options are suitable for you, please contact us and a member of our medical team will advise you accordingly.