Throat Cancer

• Throat Cancer Information
• Throat Cancer Risk Factors
• Throat Cancer Symptoms
• Throat Cancer Treatment
• Our Hospitals

If you or a loved one is battling throat cancer, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can be your ally. Here, you will find comprehensive treatment options for a variety of mouth and throat cancers. Our cancer experts strive to fight throat cancer from all angles, on all fronts, by offering a combination of conventional and complementary and alternative cancer therapies.

At CTCA, our care team is dedicated exclusively to treating cancer, and to providing personalized cancer treatment. Here, we will tailor your throat cancer treatment plan around your individual needs, and then put you at the center of your care. From our compassionate, patient-centered approach to our innovative cancer therapies, our dedicated cancer center goes above and beyond. At CTCA, we make your fight our fight.

To learn more about our patient-empowered, integrative approach to cancer care, contact an Oncology Information Specialist today at 1-800-615-3055, or via Online Chat. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Information on Throat Cancer

Throat cancer, also called pharyngeal cancer, forms in tissues of the pharynx. The pharynx is the hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and leads to the esophagus (the tube that goes to the stomach) and the trachea (the tube that goes to the lungs).

Throat cancer can develop in any of the three regions of the pharynx. Throat cancer of the oropharynx develops in the middle part of the throat. The oropharynx includes the base of the tongue, soft palate of the back of the mouth, and the tonsils. Throat cancer of the hypopharynx develops in the bottom, or lower, part of the throat. Throat cancer of the nasopharynx develops in the hollow tube in the upper part of the throat that starts behind the nose and runs down the neck to the esophagus. Most throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

Throat cancer is considered a head and neck cancer. It is estimated that more than 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with neck and head cancers each year. Aside from throat cancer, another type of head and neck cancer is laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx (voice box), which is located just below the pharynx in the neck. Throat cancer and the other head and neck cancers account for about five percent of cancers in the United States.

Throat Cancer Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that may increase your chances of developing throat cancer. Smoking and drinking alcohol are both risk factors for developing throat cancer. Smokeless tobacco, or chewing tobacco, also increases the risk of developing throat cancer. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Some research also suggests that leukoplakia (white sores or patches in the mouth) or erythroplakia (red raised patches in the mouth) may also be throat cancer risk factors.

Potential throat cancer symptoms may include:

• A painless lump in the throat or neck
• A discolored white or red patch inside the mouth
• Unexplained pain or bleeding in the mouth
• A sore throat or cough that does not go away
• Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Hoarseness or other change in the voice
• Pain in the ear
• Swelling or pain in the jaw

NOTE: Although these symptoms may be the result of throat cancer, they may also be the result of another condition. If you experience any of these potential symptoms, visit a medical professional. Only a qualified medical professional can determine if your symptoms are the result of throat cancer or another condition.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America specializes in integrative cancer treatments using a patient-centered approach. From our welcoming, state-of-the-art cancer facilities and renowned staff of doctors and practitioners, to our innovative therapies, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the field of cancer treatment and care.

Treatment for throat cancer varies according to the type, stage and location of the disease, as well as your age and general health. CTCA doctors use conventional treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to treat throat cancer. In addition, we will also supplement your traditional throat cancer treatment with complementary therapies. For instance, the speech and language pathologists in our Oncology Rehabilitation Department teach speech therapy and help resolve any swallowing problems. Also, the dietitians in our Nutrition and Metabolic Support Department help with personalized meal plans to make sure you are getting the necessary nutrients.

Give us a call today at 1-800-615-3055 or Chat Now to discuss your treatment options with an Oncology Information Specialist. No matter what your type or stage of throat cancer, we offer renewed hope and treatment options.

CTCA Hospital Locations

Physically, CTCA is a network of cancer treatment hospitals and facilities. From the first time you enter our doors, however, you will find so much more. All of our facilities offer integrative cancer treatment options delivered in a compassionate environment—designed to help you focus on healing. To learn more about CTCA cancer treatment facilities, visit our Hospital Locations page.