Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Posted on: Dec 18, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Cancer is a life-threatening condition characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It can affect any organ and, in some cases, spread to other parts, forming secondary tumours. Throat cancer, a type of carcinoma which affects areas such as the larynx (voice box) or pharynx (throat), occurs when abnormal cells in these regions begin to grow uncontrollably. The condition can cause various symptoms, such as persistent coughing and changes in the voice. Throat cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early, making early detection and intervention crucial for better outcomes. Read on to learn more about the types, symptoms, and causes of throat cancer.

What is throat cancer?

Throat cancer is a type of malignancy that affects one or more parts of the throat. In most cases, it occurs in the larynx (voice box) or the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat). The condition is often treated with surgery, which depends on the type of throat cancer, its location, and the severity of the condition.

Types of throat cancer

There are two main types of throat cancer —

1. Pharyngeal cancer

This type of cancer occurs in the pharynx, the hollow tube that extends from the back of the nose to the top of the windpipe. Pharyngeal cancer is divided into the following types —

• Nasopharyngeal cancer

The cancer starts in the nasopharynx, the area of the throat located just behind the nose. The condition can cause persistent nasal congestion, frequent nose bleeds, persistent sore throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Oropharyngeal cancer

Oropharyngeal is the section of the throat directly behind the mouth. Cancer can grow at the back of the tongue, on the soft palate, or in the tonsils. Some common symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer are sore throat, changes in voice, pain and difficulty in swallowing, mouth and throat pain, and a lump in the neck.

• Hypopharyngeal cancer

This is also known as laryngopharyngeal cancer, and it originates in the hypopharynx or the lower part of the throat, situated just above the oesophagus and windpipe.

2. Laryngeal cancer

This type of cancer develops in the larynx or voice box, which is in the throat. There are three types of laryngeal cancer —

• Glottic cancer

This condition affects the glottis, the middle part of the larynx (voice box) containing vocal cords. Glottic cancer causes symptoms like sore throat, difficulty speaking, and hoarseness in voice.

• Supraglottic cancer

Supraglottic cancer develops in the area of the larynx located above the vocal cords. This region includes parts of the throat, such as epiglottis, arytenoids, and the area above the glottis.

• Subglottic cancer

This rare type of cancer develops in the subglottis, the area of the larynx located just below the vocal cords. The condition can cause symptoms like sore throat, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing.

Throat cancer symptoms

The following are some common signs and symptoms of throat cancer:

• A sore throat that persists for more than two weeks

• Persistent hoarseness or changes in your voice lasting more than two weeks

• Experiencing pain and difficulty swallowing food (dysphagia)

• Lumps in the throat or mouth

• Swelling or lumps in the neck, including the back of the neck

• Persistent ear pain lasting more than two weeks

• Sudden and unexplained weight loss

Here, it is important to note that experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have throat cancer. In most cases, these symptoms are linked to other, less severe conditions. However, if any symptom persists for two weeks or longer, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Causes of throat cancer

Throat cancer happens due to changes in the genetic makeup of cells in the throat. This causes healthy cells to become cancerous, leading to their uncontrolled growth and multiplication. While researchers are still exploring what triggers these changes, they have identified several factors that increase the risk of throat cancer. These include:

• Use of tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco

• Consuming alcohol in excessive amounts

• Chewing betel quid and gutka

• Being infected with HPV or the human papillomavirus

• Consuming a diet lacking in healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables

• Suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Exposure to harmful substances in the workplace

• Having an excessive body weight

• Poor oral hygiene

Prevention of throat cancer

Although there is no certain way to prevent throat cancer from occurring, the following steps can help reduce your risk of developing the condition —

• Quit smoking

Smoking tobacco is one of the leading causes of throat cancer. Therefore, if you smoke, make a conscious effort to quit. If you don’t smoke, do not start it. In case you’re finding it challenging to quit smoking, seek support from your doctor. He/she can help you explore various methods to quit, including medications, nicotine replacement therapy, and counselling.

• Avoid tobacco products

In addition to cigarettes and cigars, you must stay away from other tobacco products. Chewing tobacco or snuffing powdered tobacco can also increase your risk of throat cancer.

• Limit your alcohol intake

If you choose to drink alcohol, keep it to one or two drinks per day. However, if you have underlying conditions, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether.

• Consume a healthy diet

A healthy diet can provide important nutrients and antioxidants to your body and reduce the risk of throat cancer and other conditions. Therefore, make sure you consume a diet containing lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for the best health benefits.

• Stay safe from HPV

Some throat cancers are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. You can reduce your risk of HPV related cancers by getting the HPV vaccine and practising safe sex.

• Practice good oral hygiene

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups may help lower your risk of throat cancer, especially the ones related to poor oral health.

• Get regular medical check-ups

Routine visits to the doctor can help detect early signs of oral cancer. It is especially important for those who are at a higher risk due to factors like smoking, alcohol use, or a family history of cancer.

Conclusion

To sum up, throat cancer is a severe condition that can significantly affect your quality of life and lead to severe complications. Therefore, if you are at risk, you must make necessary lifestyle changes and adopt healthy habits to improve your overall well-being. You must also opt for regular medical check-ups and stay covered under a health insurance policy and critical illness insurance. These insurance products can cover your medical bills and ease the financial burden of expensive medical treatments and procedures.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Oral Cancer in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Benefits of Cancer Health Insurance

Tips for coping with a cancer diagnosis

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options and Surgeries