Throat Cancer
Throat cancer includes cancers arising in the larynx (voice box) or pharynx (the part of the throat above the oesophagus, which includes the tonsils, base of tongue, and hypopharynx). For more information click here (insert link to below)
Throat cancer includes cancers arising in the larynx (voice box) or pharynx (the part of the throat above the oesophagus, which includes the tonsils, base of tongue, and hypopharynx). Most throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the lining cells of the larynx and pharynx. Causes of throat cancers include smoking, alcohol, cannabis, and exposure to oncogenic types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) (most commonly HPV-16). It is important to remember that cancers may occur many years after smoking cessation, therefore being an ex-smoker still confers at increased risk of cancer compared to non-smokers.
What are the symptoms of Throat Cancer?
The so-called red flag symptoms of throat cancer include throat pain, swallowing difficulty (dysphagia), hoarseness (voice change), or breathing difficulty (stridor or dyspnoea). However, early symptoms can be variable. Cancers arising on the vocal cords typically present at an early stage with hoarseness. However, cancers in other parts of the throat may grow to surprisingly large sizes while giving rise to little or only very vague symptoms. Not uncommonly, the first sign of throat cancer is a neck lump, which is due to spread of cancer to a lymph node in the neck.
When should I consult my doctor?
While throat symptoms are very common, and in most cases, are not caused by cancer, if any of the red flag symptoms are present for more than 2-3 weeks, you should see your GP and be referred to an ENT specialist promptly. Similarly, any neck lump persisting more than 2 weeks should prompt urgent referral to an ENT specialist. Otherwise, any new unexplained throat symptoms should be referred to an ENT specialist for full evaluation.
How is throat cancer diagnosed or ruled out?
After taking appropriate history and examination, the single most important procedure is a high quality videolaryngoscopy, which allows the ENT Consultant to fully examine the larynx and pharynx using a flexible camera, with the images displayed on a high resolution monitor. This procedure typically takes less than 1-2 minutes, and can be performed in the clinic at the same time as your initial ENT consultation.
If the videolaryngoscopy is normal, and the patient does not have red-flag symptoms, the risk of cancer is generally very low. However, if the patient does have red-flag symptoms, for which there is no explanation on videolaryngoscopy, your Consultant may arrange radiological investigations (e.g. CT or MRI scans, or barium swallow), or other diagnostic procedures in the hospital, such as OGD (gastroscopy) or EUA (examination under anaesthesia).
How is throat cancer treated?
Treatment of throat cancer will vary according to the site and extent of cancer. Options for treatment include surgery, radiotherapy, combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Early stage cancers can frequently be managed very successfully by transoral laser surgery, with excellent outcomes. More advanced cancers will often require a combination of different treatment modalities. All cancers are discussed at the Head & Neck multidisciplinary meeting to ensure input from all specialists and the best possible treatment recommendation.
What are the symptoms of Throat Cancer?
The so-called red flag symptoms of throat cancer include throat pain, swallowing difficulty
(dysphagia), hoarseness (voice change), or breathing difficulty (stridor or dyspnoea). However, early symptoms can be variable. Cancers arising on the vocal cords typically present at an early stage with hoarseness. However, cancers in other parts of the throat may grow to surprisingly large sizes while giving rise to little or only very vague symptoms. Not uncommonly, the first sign of throat cancer is a neck lump, which is due to spread of cancer to a lymph node in the neck.
When should I consult my doctor?
While throat symptoms are very common, and in most cases, are not caused by cancer, if any of the red flag symptoms are present for more than 2-3 weeks, you should see your GP and be referred to an ENT specialist promptly. Similarly, any neck lump persisting more than 2 weeks should prompt urgent referral to an ENT specialist. Otherwise, any new unexplained throat symptoms should be referred to an ENT specialist for full evaluation.
How is throat cancer diagnosed or ruled out?
After taking appropriate history and examination, the single most important procedure is a high quality videolaryngoscopy, which allows the ENT Consultant to fully examine the larynx and pharynx using a flexible camera, with the images displayed on a high resolution monitor. This procedure typically takes less than 1-2 minutes, and can be performed in the clinic at the same time as your initial ENT consultation.
If the videolaryngoscopy is normal, and the patient does not have red-flag symptoms, the risk of cancer is generally very low. However, if the patient does have red-flag symptoms, for which there is no explanation on videolaryngoscopy, your Consultant may arrange radiological investigations (e.g. CT or MRI scans, or barium swallow), or other diagnostic procedures in the hospital, such as OGD (gastroscopy) or EUA (examination under anaesthesia).
How is throat cancer treated?
Treatment of throat cancer will vary according to the site and extent of cancer. Options for
treatment include surgery, radiotherapy, combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or a
combination of these. Early stage cancers can frequently be managed very successfully by transoral laser surgery, with excellent outcomes. More advanced cancers will often require a combination of different treatment modalities. All cancers are discussed at the Head & Neck multidisciplinary meeting to ensure input from all specialists and the best possible treatment recommendation.