Throat cancer, or cancer of the voice box or larynx, is a rare cancer that develops in a specific part of your throat.
What is throat cancer?
Throat cancer, also known as laryngeal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the larynx, the voice box located in the throat. It’s a relatively rare cancer, but it can be serious if not diagnosed and treated early.
The larynx is a complex structure made of cartilage, muscles, and tissue that sits at the top of the windpipe (trachea). It’s responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway.
The National Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute estimate there are around 16,000 cases of throat cancer annually.
AHN Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence
At the Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence, we have extensive experience in treating patients with these cancers. As part of the AHN Cancer Institute, we work collaboratively to deliver a precise diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan for you. You also have access to our robust support services such as support groups, palliative care, and cancer genetics department. You can also be seen by our excellent speech and language pathologists and therapists who can help play a role in your treatment and recovery.
Our Cancer Institute team has a deep understanding of the latest throat cancer treatments. We are committed to personalized care, finding the right treatment for you. Our compassionate team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and otolaryngologists use the latest research to treat even the most complex cases of cancer. We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, so your recovery is shorter and more comfortable. At the Cancer Institute, you can find expert cancer care, close to home.
Throat cancer symptoms and signs
Early throat cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, common symptoms may include:
- Hoarseness or changes in voice: This is the most common symptom of throat cancer. Hoarseness or changes in your voice that persist could be a sign of throat cancer.
- Pain in the throat or ear: A persistent or intermittent pain in your throat or ear is common, but if you notice the pain increases or interferes with daily life, get it checked out.
- Difficulty swallowing: If eating or drinking is becoming a challenge due to pain or discomfort when swallowing, it could be a sign of throat cancer.
- A lump or swelling in the neck: See your doctor if you are experiencing a lump or swelling in your neck on either side.
- Persistent cough: Sporadic coughing is normal, but if you have a persistent cough that’s dry or produces mucus and feels unusual, contact your doctor.
- Weight loss: This is often unexplained and can be a sign of advanced cancer. Anytime you experience unexplained weight loss, it’s best to talk to your doctor to determine the cause.
- Breathing difficulties: If a tumor is present, it may block or constrict the airway, causing breathing difficulties.
- Blood in the sputum (mucus): Although it is a rare symptom, it may be a sign of advanced cancer.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Throat cancer risk factors
The exact cause of throat cancer is unknown, but several factors can increase your risk, including:
- Smoking: This is the most significant risk factor for throat cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol use, especially in combination with smoking, increases the risk.
- Exposure to asbestos: This material can irritate the throat and increase the risk of cancer.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Some chemicals, such as formaldehyde and nickel, can also increase the risk.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of throat cancer may increase your risk.
Throat cancer screening and diagnosis
There is no routine screening test for throat cancer. Diagnosing throat cancer involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. That’s where the expertise of AHN doctors, oncologists, and surgeons comes into play. When you are seen at the Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence, you are in the care of a multidisciplinary team who works together to find the right tests and care plan for you.
Nasolaryngoscopy
A laryngoscopy allows your doctor to directly visualize the larynx (voice box) and surrounding areas of the throat. Using a flexible scope inserted through the nose, your doctor can examine the vocal cords, epiglottis, and other structures for any abnormalities such as lesions, swelling, or changes in color that could suggest throat cancer. If there is anything suspicious, you may require additional procedures to obtain a biopsy of the abnormal tissue.
Biopsy
If a suspicious area is found during a visual examination, a biopsy is typically performed. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope.
A biopsy will give your care team the answers it needs to help create a comprehensive and specific treatment plan for you. Because a biopsy will confirm the type of laryngeal cancer, your doctors will be able to determine the type of treatment and care you need — all tailored to your specific diagnosis.
Imaging tests
Once throat cancer is confirmed, imaging tests are used to determine the extent of the cancer. These tests can help determine the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Common imaging tests to help determine the extent of the disease for throat cancer include:
- CT scans: Computed Tomography (CT) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the throat and surrounding structures, helping to determine the size and extent of the tumor.
- MRI scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the throat and surrounding structures, helping to determine the size and extent of the tumor.
- PET scans: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) uses a radioactive tracer to detect metabolically active areas, such as tumors, and can help to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Additional tests may be necessary. Blood tests may be used to check for general health and to assess the function of the liver and kidneys. Voice studies can evaluate the function of the vocal cords and can help to determine the extent of any damage caused by cancer.
Types and stages of throat cancer
Staging throat cancer helps doctors determine the best treatment options, estimate the prognosis (outlook), and plan follow-up care. Throat cancer is classified into different types based on the specific cells involved.
The most common types include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of throat cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases.
- Verrucous carcinoma: This is a slow-growing type of throat cancer that is less aggressive than squamous cell carcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of throat cancer originates in the salivary glands.
Throat cancer, or laryngeal cancer, is staged using the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node, Metastasis. This system helps doctors determine the extent of the cancer and plan the most appropriate treatment. The staging system is a guide, and the actual prognosis can vary depending on individual factors, such as age, overall health, and response to treatment. The staging system for laryngeal cancer can be quite complex. Your doctor will thoroughly discuss your diagnosis with you and answer any of your questions. If you would like to learn more about the staging system, use this guide from the National Cancer Comprehensive Network.
Throat cancer treatment
Treatment for throat cancer depends on the type, stage, and your overall health. The best treatment plan will be determined by your doctor based on your individual circumstances.
Surgery
Surgery plays a crucial role in treating throat cancer, depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible.
Any surgical procedure can bring about questions. Your AHN care team understands that and is available to talk with you, provide answers, and help calm any worries.
Radiation therapy
Treating throat cancer with radiation therapy aims to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues. This is achieved by delivering high-energy radiation to the tumor site, damaging the DNA of cancer cells, and preventing them from dividing and growing.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): A linear accelerator (LINAC) machine outside the body directs precisely targeted beams of radiation at the tumor. Sophisticated imaging techniques (like CT scans and MRI) are used to precisely plan the radiation beams to maximize their effect on the tumor while sparing healthy tissues like the spinal cord, salivary glands, and esophagus.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for throat cancer uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike surgery and radiation, which target the cancer primarily at its location, chemotherapy aims to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary tumor site (metastasized). It’s rarely used alone for throat cancer; instead, it’s most often employed in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy, to improve the chances of successful cancer control. There are different types of chemotherapy, and your AHN specialist will determine what’s best for you.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies that treat throat cancer focus on attacking specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies are designed to be more precise, minimizing harm to healthy cells. This precision leads to fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, although side effects still occur. The specific targeted therapies used depend on the genetic makeup of the tumor, specifically the presence of certain mutations or biomarkers. Because targeted therapies are most effective when tailored to the type and stage of throat cancer, your AHN doctor will work to determine what will be most effective.
The best treatment plan will be determined by your doctor based on your individual circumstances.
Contact us
Call the AHN Cancer Help Line anytime at (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 to schedule a cancer-related appointment or to just talk with our nurses about diagnoses, treatments, and side effects.
Second opinions
If you have cancer, you have a team of oncology specialists ready to review your medical records and offer you a second opinion. After completing their review, they’ll talk with you about your goals to determine a course of treatment that’s right for you. To get started, fill out our Second Opinion Request form. A nurse navigator will contact you within the next 24 to 48 hours to discuss next steps and schedule.