Wednesday, September 20, 2023
"Genetic Cancer" or "Hereditary Cancer"?
What is Pharynx or Throat Cancer? Symptoms and Treatment Process
The pharynx, or throat, is located behind the nasal and oral cavities. Its upper part is connected to the nasal cavity (nasopharynx), while its lower part (hypopharynx) continues to the esophagus. Throat cancers include cancers of the base of the tongue, uvula, tonsil tissue, and the back walls of the throat. Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are considerably rarer than nasopharyngeal cancers. Worldwide, an estimated 123,000 new cases of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are diagnosed annually.
What Are the Risk Factors?
The main risk factors for these cancers include smoking, alcohol use, and viral infections (e.g., Human papillomavirus or HPV).
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of something being stuck. Advanced stages can lead to restricted jaw movement. Restricted tongue movement can cause speech and swallowing disorders and painful swallowing. Around 90% of cancers in this region are squamous cell carcinomas. Lymphomas may also occur in the tonsils, with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma being more common.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
Diagnosis is made through a biopsy. Radiology may also be needed to evaluate the tumor's spread. Oropharyngeal cancers tend to progress faster clinically than oral cancers. Cancers of the base of the tongue and soft palate may spread to both sides of the neck. In about 50% of cases, the first sign may be lymph node involvement in the neck.
What Are the Stages of the Disease?
Staging is similar to that of oral cancers.
How is it Treated?
Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and may involve surgery alone or surgery combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If complete resection via the mouth is not possible, an approach through the neck or lower jaw may be necessary. Even without lymph node involvement in the neck, the neck should be included in the treatment plan due to the high risk of upper neck spread. For lymphoma, primary treatment usually includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Is Prevention Possible?
Reducing alcohol and tobacco use, maintaining a healthy diet, and making lifestyle adjustments for overall well-being are essential in reducing the risk of throat cancers, as well as other oral and neck cancers.
Last Updated Date: 06 July 2016
Publication Date: 10 August 2016
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