Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is a general term for various cancers that can originate in the region of the posterior oral cavity and the areas behind and below it, namely the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box). If a tumor involves one of these areas primarily they may be named for that more specific location, such as an oropharyngeal carcinoma or laryngeal carcinoma. There are more than one type of cancer which can involve these areas.

The "throat" is technically the muscular tube that begins behind your nasal and oral cavities and ends in your neck. It is typically approximately 5 inches long from top to bottom. It is a complex area that is important for swallowing, breathing as well as producing sound and speech.

Details about these types of cancers, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments are linked to below.

Topics About Cancer of the Throat

What is Throat Cancer? Learn more about what this type of cancer is here. What is meant by oropharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer?

What Causes It? There are a handful of known causes and risk factors for cancer of the throat. Read more about them here.

What Are the Symptoms? Read about the common symptoms that can present in a patient with cancer of the throat.

Screening for Cancers of the Throat: Routine screening for these cancers is usually not performed, but given the suspicion there are various ways to attempt to identify them.

How Do You Make the Diagnosis? When a patient presents with symptoms or there is some other suspicion, various exams and tests can be performed to make the diagnosis of a throat tumor.

Types of Treatment: What are the treatment options for patients with cancer of the throat? Read more about them here.