Throat Cancer Treatment

Once a diagnosis is made, throat cancer treatment can involve any combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The specific combination and types of treatments used in a given patient takes into account many factors related to that patient. For example, the specific location, type and stage of the tumor all impact the type of treatment that is most appropriate and effective.

Surgery: The type of surgery used to treat throat cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor. While small, early stage cancers can be treated by limited local surgeries, such as transoral robotic surgery or transoral laser microsurgery, larger and more invasive tumors may require larger operation through the neck to fully remove the tumor. The more limited surgeries are performed through the mouth (transoral). The more invasive surgeries in the neck can vary in extent, from more limited resections that remove part of the voice box or throat with the tumor. In very invasive or large tumors at later stages, larger procedures that remove several structures in the head and neck around the tumor may be required. These more invasive procedures sometimes require require reconstructive surgery to reconstruct the throat, mouth and/or jaw.

Radiation Therapy: Various forms of radiation therapy are often a component of throat cancer treatment. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the clinical situation.

Chemotherapy: Advanced cancer with extensive invasion or spread of the cancer in the body may require chemotherapy along with other treatments.

Rehabilitation: Some patients have difficulties with speech and/or swallowing after treatment. The extent of these problems depend on the extent of surgical resection and location of the tumor. Physical, occupational and speech therapists can all be helpful in the rehabilitation of these patients.