Symptoms of Throat Cancer : Detecting Early Warning Signs

Types of Throat Cancer: Its Causes, Symptoms & Risk Factors

The type of cancer that affects an individual's pharynx (throat) or larynx (voice box) is termed throat cancer. Though an uncommon form of cancer, some people may develop it as tumors in their oropharynx (middle of the throat).

The symptoms of throat cancer take time to appear, but once you notice any of the associated signs, you should not delay consulting a doctor. Moreover, if the symptoms remain for over two weeks, they should be immediately diagnosed.

Read ahead to learn about the symptoms of throat cancer to adopt the diagnosis and treatment at the right time.

What are the Different Types of Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer is a broad term used for cancers that develop in either the throat (pharynx) or the voice box (larynx). Although most throat cancers arise from similar cell types, the specific name depends on the exact part of the throat where the cancer starts.

Listed below are the types of throat cancer:

1. Nasopharyngeal Cancer : It begins in the nasopharynx; the upper part of the throat located just behind the nose.
2. Oropharyngeal Cancer : It starts in the oropharynx, the middle section of the throat, right behind the mouth, including the tonsils.
3. Hypopharyngeal Cancer : It is also called laryngopharyngeal cancer and develops in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the throat, just above the esophagus and windpipe.
4. Glottic Cancer : This type of throat cancer originates in the vocal cords within the voice box.
5. Supraglottic Cancer : It affects the upper part of the voice box, including the epiglottis, a cartilage that helps prevent food from entering the windpipe.
6. Subglottic Cancer : It starts in the lower part of the voice box, below the vocal cords. Most throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas arising from the flat cells lining the throat.

What are the Symptoms of Throat Cancer?

The symptoms of throat cancer can be classified into 3 stages. Here they are:

1. Early Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Early symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for a common cold or allergy. The most significant early warning signs are:

• Hoarse voice
• Cough
• Persistent soreness in the throat
• Pain in the ear

2. Common Symptoms of Throat Cancer

You can notice more specific symptoms as the cancer progresses. Though the symptoms may vary depending on the location and type of throat cancer, here are some of the common symptoms that people may experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulties in breathing and swallowing
• Chronic coughing that may be releasing bloody phlegm
• Lumps or swelling in the neck
• White and red patches inside the mouth
• Sores are taking longer or not recovering at all

As cancer progresses, more specific symptoms may appear. These can include difficult or painful swallowing, a lump in the neck, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood. Symptoms like frequent nosebleeds, facial pain, or hearing changes are more specifically linked to cancers in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).

3. Advanced Symptoms of Throat Cancer

With advancement in the stage, symptoms of throat cancer can become worse. Individuals with this condition may find it difficult to swallow food or breath. This is because the esophagus and airway are encroached by the tumor. As the individuals cannot eat properly, they start losing weight.

You may observe enlarged nodes in your neck or other areas if throat cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Symptoms vary depending on the affected organ; for instance, lung cancer may cause coughing or dyspnea.

What are the Risk Factors of Throat Cancer Symptoms?

Throat cancer develops when genetic mutations help cells in the throat to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread if untreated. Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing this disease, such as:

• Tobacco Use : Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products is the leading risk factor for throat cancer. The chemicals in tobacco can damage throat cells and trigger mutations that lead to cancer.
• HPV Infection : Human papillomavirus (HPV), often transmitted through oral sex, is now a major cause of throat cancer, especially in developed countries. HPV-related cancers usually affect the tonsils and base of the tongue.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption : Drinking excessive alcohol increases the risk, particularly when combined with tobacco use. Alcohol can damage the lining of the throat, making it more susceptible to cancerous changes.
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infection : The Epstein-Barr virus, which also causes mononucleosis, is linked to a higher risk of certain throat cancers, particularly nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Exposure to Toxic Substances : Long-term exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, wood dust, formaldehyde, and certain industrial chemicals can increase the risk of throat cancer, especially in specific workplaces.
• Dietary Factors : A diet consistently low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of throat cancer. The protective elements in these foods are thought to help prevent the cellular damage that can lead to cancer. A diet lacking essential nutrients can make the throat lining more vulnerable to cancer-causing agents.
• Genetic Factors : Although rare, inherited gene mutations may increase susceptibility to throat cancer. Some families have genetic changes, such as mutations in the ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related) gene, that can significantly raise the risk.

The treatment options and symptoms of throat cancer are influenced by the location and the type of it. Therefore, early detection and accurate diagnosis can improve outcomes and guide the best approach to care.