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Throat or larynx cancer

Vocal cord cancer; Throat cancer; Laryngeal cancer; Cancer of the glottis; Cancer of oropharynx or hypopharynx

 

Throat cancer is cancer of the vocal cords, larynx (voice box), or other areas of the throat.

Causes

 

People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Drinking too much alcohol over a long time also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancer.

Most throat cancers develop in adults older than 50. Men are more likely than women to develop throat cancer.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of throat cancer include any of the following:

  • Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
  • Cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness that does not get better in 3 to 4 weeks
  • Neck or ear pain
  • Sore throat that does not get better in 2 to 3 weeks, even with antibiotics
  • Swelling or lumps in the neck
  • Weight loss not due to dieting

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may show a lump on the outside of the neck.

The provider may look in your throat or nose using a flexible tube with a small camera at the end.

Other tests that may be ordered include:

  • Biopsy of suspected tumor
  • Chest x-ray
  • CT scan of chest
  • CT scan of head and neck
  • MRI of the head or neck
  • PET scan

 

Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

When the tumor is small, either surgery or radiation therapy alone can be used to remove the tumor.

When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is often used to save the voice box (vocal cords). If this is not possible, the voice box is removed. This surgery is called laryngectomy .

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Throat cancers may be cured when detected early. If the cancer has spread ( metastasized ) to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes in the neck, about half of patients can be cured. If the cancer has spread to parts of the body outside the head and neck, the cancer is not curable. Treatment is aimed at prolonging and improving quality of life.

After treatment, therapy is needed to help with speech and swallowing. If the person is not able to swallow, a feeding tube will be needed.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of this type of cancer may include:

  • Airway obstruction
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Disfigurement of the neck or face
  • Hardening of the skin of the neck
  • Loss of voice and speaking ability
  • Spread of the cancer to other body areas (metastasis)

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if:

  • You have symptoms of throat cancer, especially hoarseness or a change in voice with no obvious cause that lasts longer than 3 weeks
  • You find a lump in your neck that does not go away in 3 weeks

 

Prevention

 

Do not smoke or use other tobacco. Limit or avoid alcohol use.

 

 

References

Armstrong WB, Vokes DE, Verma SP. Malignant tumors of the larynx. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 106.

National Cancer Institute. PDQ laryngeal cancer treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Date last modified: July 23, 2014. Available at: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/laryngeal/HealthProfessional . Accessed: January 4, 2016.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): Head and neck cancers. Version 1.2015. Available at: www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/head-and-neck.pdf . Accessed: January 4, 2016.

 
  • Throat anatomy - illustration

    Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

    Throat anatomy

    illustration

  • Oropharynx - illustration

    Food passes from the mouth to the oropharynx (back of the throat) to the esophagus.

    Oropharynx

    illustration

    • Throat anatomy - illustration

      Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

      Throat anatomy

      illustration

    • Oropharynx - illustration

      Food passes from the mouth to the oropharynx (back of the throat) to the esophagus.

      Oropharynx

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Throat or larynx cancer

           

           

          Review Date: 10/30/2015

          Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi, MD, specialist in laryngology, Clinical Instructor UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

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