Throat Cancer Overview
The term throat cancer refers to malignant tumors affecting the pharynx, which is the muscular tube that runs from the back of the nose to the neck. The majority of throat cancer cases involve the squamous cells that line the throat. Another type of throat cancer, adenocarcinoma, affects the glandular tissue of the throat. We treat throat cancer here at Southeastern ENT in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Three Types of Pharyngeal Cancer:
- Nasopharyngeal cancer affects the upper part of the throat.
- Cancer in the middle portion of the throat is referred to as oropharyngeal cancer.
- Hypopharynx cancer develops in the lower part of the throat.
Causes of Throat Cancer:
Throat cancer develops when there is a genetic mutation within the cells of the throat that causes them to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The exact reason that the mutation occurs is not clear, but there are risk factors that can increase your risk of developing throat cancer. Common risk factors include:
woman getting ultrasound of a thyroid from doctor.
- tobacco use,
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- infection with the human papillomavirus or Epstein-Barr virus, and
- a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Symptoms of Throat Cancer:
Early symptoms of throat cancer are often subtle and easily dismissed as a simple cold or a sore throat caused by allergies or a virus. The most common signs and symptoms reported with throat cancer include:
- a persistent cough,
- problems swallowing,
- a sore throat,
- ear pain,
- unexplained weight loss,
- swelling involving the neck and throat, and
- a persistent feeling of a lump or something stuck in the throat.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms for more than two or three weeks or whose symptoms worsen should consult a board-certified otolaryngologist for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Throat Cancer:
Dr. Robert Contrucci has more than three decades of experience as an ear, nose, and throat specialist and offers the latest throat cancer diagnosis and treatment options to residents of Pembroke Pines and the surrounding areas. Dr. Contrucci is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. After diagnosing your throat issues by obtaining a complete history of your symptoms and performing a thorough physical examination of the structures of the throat along with various diagnostic tests, Dr. Contrucci will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.