Throat Cancer (Oropharyngeal Cancer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer)

Definition

Throat cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in an abnormal fashion in the throat. The throat is the hollow tube that runs from behind the nose and mouth, down the neck, to the opening of the esophagus and windpipe.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case throat cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor usually does not invade or spread.

Causes

The exact cause of throat cancer is not known.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Some risk factors include:

• Age: 40 or older
• Sex: male
• Smoking or use of any tobacco products (such as chewing, snuffing)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history and genetic predisposition
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Suppressed immune system
• Infections caused by certain viruses such as:
  
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Human papillomavirus
• Radiation exposure
• Excess consumption of cured meats or fish
• Marijuana use
• Exposure to certain materials such as in:
  
  • Nickel refining
  • Woodworking
  • Working with textile fibers

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Persistent feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
• Voice changes or hoarseness
• Pain in the head, throat, or neck
• Lump in the neck
• Unexplained weight loss
• Change in voice quality; referred to as “hot potato” voice

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may feel for any lumps in the neck. Your throat may be examined using a small mirror and light. You may be referred to an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in head and neck surgery.

Tests may include:

• Laryngoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the mouth to examine the inside of the throat
• Panendoscopy—extensive examination of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, and trachea using a fiberoptic scope. This is done under general anesthesia in the operating room.
• Fine needle aspiration —use of a thin needle to remove a sample of throat tissue to test for cancer cells
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the throat
• PET scan —a special scan using radioactive glucose that circulates throughout the body and then gets caught in cells that are rapidly growing, such as cancer cells.An x-ray is then taken and the radiation shows up, identifying where cancer cells reside.
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the throat
• Incisional biopsy —surgical removal of a sample of throat tissue to test for cancer cells

Treatment

Once throat cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer.

Treatment may include:

Prevention

To help prevent throat cancer:

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products. If you do smoke or use tobacco products, get help to quit.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
• Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• See your doctor and dentist regularly for check-ups and cancer screening.