Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

Throat cancer refers to any cancer that starts in the pharynx (throat) or larynx (voice box). The throat is divided into larynx and pharynx, which are further subdivided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.

What are the types of throat cancer?

Pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers are the two main types of throat cancer.

1. Pharyngeal cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer: Upper part of the pharynx
Oropharyngeal cancer: Middle of the pharynx
Hypopharyngeal cancer: Lower part of the pharynx

2. Laryngeal cancer

Supraglottic cancer: Upper portion of the larynx, including the epiglottis (a piece of cartilage that prevents food from entering your throat)
Glottic cancer: Region of the larynx with vocal cords
Subglottic cancer: Lower region of the larynx, below the vocal cords

What are the risk factors of developing throat cancer?

The exact cause of throat cancer is unclear, but the following risk factors put you at a higher risk of developing it.

Men
Age beyond 65
Smoking
Tobacco chewing
Poor oral hygiene habits
Obesity
Excessive consumption of alcohol
A diet that lacks vegetables and fruits
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
Close family members with throat cancer
Occupational exposure such as pesticide, asbestos, plastic, and sulfuric acid mist

What are the signs and symptoms of throat cancer?

The symptoms of throat cancer depend on the type of throat cancer. Most symptoms are not noticeable in the early stages of cancer. Some general symptoms of throat cancer include:

Swollen lymph nodes
Hoarseness of voice
Pain while swallowing food (odynophagia)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Lump in the throat region
Chronic sore throat
Headache
Ringing in the ears
Ear pain
Neck pain
Coughing up blood
Unexplained weight loss

If you frequently experience any of the following symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.

How do doctors diagnose throat cancer?

Diagnosis is made based on various investigations. Your doctor would first question your general health and symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. Blood tests may also be requested.

Some of the tests carried out for diagnosis are:

Laryngoscopy
- An endoscope will be inserted deep inside the throat so that the doctor can have a clearer picture of the throat’s inner region.
Nasendoscopy
- This procedure is done to examine the larynx by inserting a small, flexible tube with a light and video camera (endoscope) into one of the nostrils and then into the back of the throat. On a monitor, images captured by an endoscope are presented.
Biopsy
- During laryngoscopy or nasendoscopy, a small tissue sample may be removed and sent to the laboratory to be examined.
- A tissue sample can be extracted using a needle and syringe if there is a lump on your neck. This is known as aspiration with a fine needle.
Imaging tests
- Imaging studies help determine the extent of cancer spread. Some of these tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound of the neck, positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) scan, and a combination of PET-CT scan.

Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose throat cancer.

How is throat cancer treated?

The best course of treatment for throat cancer is determined by the type, location, size, and stage of cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy are the main types of treatment used.

Surgical procedures performed to remove the affected areas:
- Endoscopic resection: This procedure involves inserting a hollow tube with a camera and light known as the endoscope into the throat to remove the tumorous growth.
- Pharyngectomy: This surgical method involves the removal of a part of or the entire pharynx.
- Partial laryngectomy: This surgical method involves the removal of the affected larynx. Speaking is still possible as parts of the larynx are still present, but hoarseness following surgery is to be expected.
- Total laryngectomy: This surgical method involves the removal of the entire larynx, including the lymph nodes nearby, if the cancer has spread. Following surgery, a permanent hole (stoma) would be made in the neck to aid breathing. As the vocal cords will be removed, it would be challenging to speak normally, but there are a number of ways to learn to speak again.
Radiotherapy
- Radiotherapy employs high-energy radiation to reduce the size of tumours and kill cancer cells. This treatment is used to alleviate the symptoms associated with advanced cancer.
Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that employs potent cancer-killing drugs. It can be used in conjunction with radiotherapy or administered prior to surgery to minimise the size of tumours and slow the rate of cancer spread.
Targeted therapy
- Targeted therapies are used to stop the progression of advanced throat cancer. For instance, cetuximab inhibits the activity of a protein that is more prevalent in throat cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
- This is an advanced procedure that uses specific medications to strengthen the body's defences against cancer cells. The drugs that are used for this purpose are known as checkpoint inhibitors.
- This treatment is mostly reserved for patients with advanced throat cancer who do not respond to conventional cancer treatments.

Learn more about the different types of treatment technologies to treat throat cancer.

What can I do to reduce the risk of developing throat cancer?

Following are some medically recommended prevention strategies and lifestyle modifications that can be applied to reduce the risk of throat cancer include:

Quit smoking
Limit consumption of alcohol
Get vaccinated against HPV
Consume a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables

Do I need to get screened for throat cancer?

There is no available routine screening for cancers of the oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. However, routine oral examinations by a doctor or dentist may be able to detect oropharyngeal cancer early, whereas voice changes or other noticeable signs can uncover laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers early.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Early detection of throat cancer makes it easier to treat the disease with effective and appropriate treatment. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists and oncologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about throat cancer treatment options.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.