What is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer starts in the larynx, throat, vocal cords, or tonsils. It can involve the thyroid or esophagus and often affects flat cells in the throat lining.

Cancer is a group of diseases that involves the uncontrolled division of the body's cells, resulting in the formation of a mass of cells called a tumour.

The throat, a vital muscular tube, is the gateway for eating, speaking, and breathing, starting at the nose's back and ending in the neck.

What are the types of throat cancer?

Nasopharyngeal cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer
Hypopharyngeal cancer
Glottic cancer
Supraglottic cancer
Subglottic cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer

This cancer starts in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.

Oropharyngeal cancer

It begins in the middle part of the throat behind the mouth and often involves the tonsils.

Hypopharyngeal cancer

This is a rare type that starts in the lower part of the throat, just above the food pipe and windpipe.

Glottic cancer

It affects the vocal cords and the area around them.

Supraglottic cancer

This cancer develops in the upper part of the voice box, including the epiglottis.

Subglottic cancer

It's a rare cancer found below the vocal cords, and it's more common in males.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

What are the throat cancer symptoms?

Throat pain
Breathlessness
Coughing up blood
Prolonged sore throat or cough
Voice changes such as hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Discomfort sensation in the throat
Lumps present in the neck or throat
Unexplained weight loss

When to see a doctor?

See your regular doctor if you have ongoing symptoms. Throat cancer signs may not always mean cancer; tests will confirm, and you may need a specialist.

Consult our oncologist, ENT specialist, for more information and the right treatment for throat cancer.

Throat cancer can stem from genetic mutations in throat cells, causing abnormal cell growth and tumor formation.

What are the risk factors of throat cancer?

Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing
Excessive alcohol consumption
Epstein-barr virus (EBV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Family history
Unhealthy diet

What are the diagnosis and treatment options for throat cancer?

Diagnosis

Physical examination
Throat biopsy
Laryngoscopy
Ultrasound test
X-rays
CT scan
MRI
PET scan

Treatment

Radiation therapy
Surgery (laryngectomy, pharyngectomy, neck dissection)
Chemotherapy
Targeted drug therapy
Immunotherapy
Supportive (palliative) care

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

What kind of care is provided at Medicover Hospitals?

At Medicover Hospitals, our trusted oncologists and ENT specialists offer personalized throat cancer treatment. We assess each patient carefully and tailor a specific treatment plan based on their unique condition, ensuring comprehensive care and precision.

Citations

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/throat-cancer
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/throat-cancer
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/throat
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/laryngeal-and-hypopharyngeal-cancer/treating/by-stage.html
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/throat-cancer

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common symptoms include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, ear pain, presence of a lump in the throat or neck, and unexplained weight loss.

Throat cancer symptoms are generally similar in both men and women, including persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, ear pain, presence of a lump in the throat or neck, and unexplained weight loss.

Typical symptoms in men include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, ear pain, presence of a lump in the throat or neck, and unexplained weight loss.

Survival rates vary, but early detection and treatment generally lead to better outcomes, with five-year survival rates ranging from around 70% to over 90% for localized throat cancer.