Causes

Causes of throat cancerThroat cancer occurs when cells in your throat develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating cells can form a tumor in your throat. It's not clear what causes the mutation that causes throat cancer. But doctors have identified factors that may increase your ri...

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types

Types of thorat cancerThroat cancer is a general term that applies to cancer that develops in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or in the voice box (laryngeal cancer). The throat and the voice box are closely connected, with the voice box sitting just below the throat. More specific terms to describe the types of throat cancer include:Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx — the part of your throat just behind your nose.Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx — the part of your throat that is right behind your mouth.Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) — the lower part of your throat, just above your esophagus a nd windpipe. Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper portion of the larynx...

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What is throat cancer Your throat is a 5-inch-long muscular tube that begins behind your nose and ends in your neck. Your voice box sits just below your throat and is also susceptible to throat cancer. The voice box is made of cartilage and contains the vocal cords that vibrate to make sound when you talk. Throat cancer can also affect the piece of cartilage (epiglottis) that acts as a lid for your windpipe.The American Cancer Society estimates that about 24,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with throat cancer each year. About half of those throat cancers occur in the pharynx, with the rest occurring in the lary...

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Treatment of throat cancer

Treatment Treatment depends on the exact type of cancer, where it is and how far it has spread. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. Surgery Surgery is a common way of managing mouth cancer. The aim is to remove the cancer completely. The part of your mouth that the specialist may remove depends on where the cancer is and where it has spread. If the cancer has been found early then it may be very small. This means that it may be possible to have treatment as a day case, with no need to stay overnight in hospital. You may have a local or a general anaesthetic. If the cancer is larger and the surgery is more extensive,...

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Causes

Causes of mouth cancer No one knows why some people develop mouth cancer and others don't. However there are certain factors that make mouth cancer more likely. These are listed below. Smoking tobacco - any form of smoking can increase your risk of getting mouth cancer including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, as well as bidis or hand-rolled cigarettes containing cannabis. Chewing tobacco, such as betel quid, gutkha and paan - this tobacco accounts for the high level of mouth cancer found in countries such as India. Drinking excessive alcohol, especially at the same time as smoking or chewing tobacco. Having already had cancer of the head and neck - if you have already had this type of cancer, you are at risk of developing it again. Spending a long time in the sun or under UV light is a...

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