Head & Neck/Throat Cancer

Head & Neck/Throat cancer refers to cancers that affect the larynx (voice box), esophagus, and surrounding tissues. It may also be referred to as laryngeal, pharyngeal, or hypopharyngeal cancer. The majority of throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which are cancers of the thin, flat cells that line the larynx and hypopharynx. Fewer than 15,000 new cases of throat cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year and the five-year survival rate is often above 50%. The biggest risk factor for throat cancer is tobacco use. Excessive alcohol use is also a predominant risk factor for throat cancer, and the combination of alcohol and tobacco increases that risk exponentially. Symptoms of throat cancer include a persistent cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and changes in voice. The stages of throat cancer range from zero to IV. Throat cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.