Pharyngeal Cancer Risk Factors
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Pharyngeal Cancer Risk Factors
Pharyngeal cancer includes cancers of the nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx. Throat cancer refers to both pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx (voice box). Head and neck cancer is a general term that includes the pharynx and also applies to all cancers of the throat, mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands and lymph nodes in the neck.
Some of the pharyngeal cancer risk factors listed may also be common to most head and neck cancers. For example, the American Cancer Society reports that people who consume both alcohol and tobacco are up to 100 times more likely to develop some type of head and neck cancer, including cancer of the pharynx, than are those who don't use either substance.
Common Risk Factors for Pharyngeal Cancer
Common risk factors for pharyngeal cancer include:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Alcohol abuse
- High doses of radiation therapy, particularly in the head or neck region
- Exposure to asbestos or certain industrial chemicals
- Aging (being 65 years or older)
Pharyngeal Cancer Type-Specific Risk Factors
In addition to the common risk factors for pharyngeal cancer, there are risk factors specific to each type of pharyngeal cancer:
Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancers are most common among people of Chinese or Asian descent.
- The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), commonly known as "mono," may increase the risk of certain cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer.
Oropharyngeal cancer
- The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx behind the oral cavity. Risk factors common to oral cavity cancer, like drinking maté (an herbal tea drink common in South America) or chewing betel quid (betel leaves wrapped around areca nuts), may also increase the likelihood of this type of cancer.
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may be a factor in some cases of oropharyngeal cancer.
Hypopharyngeal cancer
- Nutritional deficiencies may increase the likelihood of hypopharyngeal cancers. Iron deficiencies may also be caused by Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Other nutritional deficiencies may be related to a history of alcohol abuse.
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome is characterized by the development of "esophageal webs," a disorder that makes it difficult to swallow (dysphagia). The lower part of the pharynx (the hypopharynx) is where these webs would likely develop.
Other Pharyngeal Cancer Risk Factors
There is no known cause of pharyngeal cancer and not all the risk factors are well understood. Smoking and heavy drinking combined dramatically increase a person's risk for developing pharyngeal cancers.
In addition, there may be other factors that also play a role in the development of cancer while other factors may actually reduce the risk. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause heartburn--whether or not this condition increases the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer is still being investigated.
Diets lacking in foods rich in vitamin B and vitamin A retinoids may also raise the risk of pharyngeal cancer, but again, more research is needed. However, the American Cancer Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day in order to reduce the risk of most throat cancers
By identifying your risk factors you and your physician can work together to better manage your overall health. Although there is no guaranteed method to prevent pharyngeal cancer, you can minimize your risk for developing the disease.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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