Throat cancer is a term that may describe cancer of any portion of the throat including:
- Tonsillar cancer
- Baser of Tongue Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
Throat cancer may present with symptoms including:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Throat pain
- Voice changes
- Ear pain
- Neck mass
- Weight loss
- Hemoptysis or coughing of blood
Risk factors for throat cancer include tobacco and alcohol use. Even if tobacco use has stopped, a history of tobacco in the past may be related to development of cancer.
Evaluation for throat cancer includes a complete head and neck exam, laryngoscopy, and possibly bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy. A CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may be ordered for evaluation as well.
Biopsy is performed, either in the office or in the operating room, to obtain tissue for diagnosis.
Treatment for tonsillar cancer may involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
For more details on laryngeal cancer please click here.