Throat Cancer

This lining is made up of thin, flat cells known as squamous cells, so most throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

These cancers are located in either the larynx or pharynx. The location plays an important role in the patient’s treatment and prognosis. 

The larynx, also called the voice box, allows people to speak. 

The pharynx is a tube that runs down from the back of the nasal cavity, connects with the oral cavity (the mouth) and then with the esophagus and trachea. The pharynx is involved in both breathing and swallowing.

The pharynx has three main parts: the upper section, called the nasopharynx; the middle, the oropharynx; and the lower section, the hypopharynx. The hypopharynx is next to the larynx and together they are sometimes referred to as the laryngopharynx. 

Types of throat cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer forms in the oropharynx, the area where the pharynx and the mouth connect. It is by far the most common type of throat cancer in the United States. Cases are rising due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that can cause several different cancers. Read more about HPV and oropharyngeal cancer.

Nasopharyngeal cancer arises in the nasopharynx, which sits behind the nasal cavity and is the top section of the pharynx. It is rare in the United States but very common in Asia. Learn more about nasopharyngeal cancer.

Hypopharyngeal cancer is another rare form of throat cancer. The hypopharynx connects with the larynx. Patients with this cancer often get the same treatment as laryngeal cancer patients. Learn more about hypopharyngeal cancer.

Laryngeal cancer impacts the larynx, or voice box. The voice box contains the vocal cords and allows us to speak. It also acts as a valve that opens for us to breathe and makes sure things we swallow go into the stomach. Learn more about laryngeal cancer.

Throat cancer risk factors

Anything that increases your chance of getting throat cancer is a risk factor. Risk factors for throat cancer include:

• HPV infection: Human papillomavirus can cause several different cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer. This is the number one cause of throat cancer in the United States. Learn more about HPV.
  
• Sexual history/number of sexual partners: HPV is often spread through sexual contact, so sexual history can impact a person’s throat cancer risk.
  
• Gender: Men are significantly more likely to get throat cancer than women.
  
• Tobacco use: Tobacco users have an increased risk of throat cancer. Learn more about tobacco and cancer.
  
• Alcohol use: People who drink heavily have an increased risk of throat cancer.
  
• Age: Historically, most throat cancer cases occur over the age of 60, but HPV-related cancers are commonly diagnosed in patients in their 50s and younger.
  
• Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus: This virus, which can cause mononucleosis, is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer only.
  

Why choose MD Anderson for throat cancer treatment?

Choosing where to go for cancer treatment is one of the most important decisions a patient can make. 

Every patient with throat cancer is different. Treatment plans can change drastically based on the cancer’s exact location. Just a few millimeters can make a huge difference. The right treatment plan can greatly reduce the chance of recurrence and help maintain your quality of life, including your ability to speak, swallow and hear.

At MD Anderson you’ll get care from a multidisciplinary team of throat cancer experts. 

This team will include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and surgical oncologist. All specialize in treating throat cancer, giving them an incredible amount of expertise to call on when planning your care. They will work together closely to discuss your case and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. 

Treatments can include many cutting-edge interventions, such as proton therapy, targeted therapy and advanced robotic surgeries. As a leading cancer center, MD Anderson is also developing new throat cancer treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. 

Caring for throat cancer patients at MD Anderson goes far beyond these treatments. Throat cancer and its care may affect eating, hearing, speaking and appearance. At MD Anderson you’ll be offered a full range of treatments and therapies to help you overcome these challenges. 

You may get occupational, physical and speech therapy. If needed, you’ll have access to MD Anderson’s renowned reconstructive surgeons, as well as expert dental surgeons who can design and place custom-made dental implants. You can also work closely with speech pathologists and audiologists who have expertise in restoring speech and swallowing after throat surgery.

MD Anderson also offers dedicated survivorship care for throat cancer patients. This care can help monitor for the disease’s return and offer interventions to maximize your quality of life.

And at MD Anderson you will be surrounded by the strength of one of the nation's largest and most experienced cancer centers. From support groups to nutrition counseling to integrative medicine care, we have all the services needed to treat not just the disease, but the whole person.