Throat Cancer

Throat cancer includes cancers of the pharynx (upper throat), larynx (voice-box), and related structures. In India it is one of the most common tobacco-related cancers. A growing share of tonsil/base-of-tongue cancers worldwide is linked to HPV — a newer pattern emerging in Indian data too.

Warning signs — for more than 2-3 weeks

• Persistent hoarse voice or change in voice.
• Difficulty or pain swallowing.
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat.
• Persistent sore throat.
• Lump in the neck.
• Ear pain (referred) with normal ear exam.
• Cough, noisy breathing, or coughing up blood.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Risk factors

• Tobacco — smoked or chewed. The biggest single factor.
• Alcohol — particularly with tobacco.
• HPV — rising importance; HPV vaccine relevant.
• Betel/areca chewing.
• Previous radiation to the neck.
• Poor oral hygiene, GERD.
• Occupational exposures — asbestos, wood dust, chemicals.

Diagnosis

Flexible laryngoscopy in clinic, imaging (CT/MRI), and biopsy confirm the diagnosis. HPV testing (p16) is now routinely done on oropharyngeal biopsies as it changes prognosis and treatment intensity. PET-CT for staging.

Treatment — individualised

• Early cancer — surgery (sometimes laser) or radiation alone; often curative with voice preservation.
• Locally advanced — concurrent chemoradiation or surgery + radiation.
• Selected cases — immunotherapy, targeted therapy.
• Voice and swallowing rehabilitation — essential after treatment — under-used in India.
• Multi-disciplinary head-and-neck oncology gives the best outcomes.

Stopping tobacco is the single biggest thing you can do — to prevent, to respond to treatment, and to reduce second cancers. Free support is available through the national helpline 1800-11-2356.